Credit: Philadelphia Police
A 26-year-old man is recovering after surviving a hail of gunfire that struck his SUV more than 30 times in the parking lot of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Philadelphia's Wynnefield Heights neighborhood.
The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the hotel located on the 4100 block of Presidential Boulevard, near City Line Ave.
Upon arrival, they observed a GMC Yukon fleeing the scene at high speed. The vehicle, riddled with bullet holes, was pursued by police as it traveled north on City Avenue. While attempting to enter the on-ramp to Interstate 76 westbound, the SUV rear-ended a Mercedes-Benz, causing injuries to the two occupants of that vehicle.
The driver of the GMC Yukon sustained a graze wound to his abdomen and was transported to Lankenau Medical Center in stable condition.
He was later released and taken to police headquarters for questioning. The two individuals in the Mercedes-Benz, both in their 40s, were also hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators recovered over 40 spent shell casings from the hotel parking lot, indicating the use of semi-automatic weapons. The SUV's windshield and driver's side door bore numerous bullet holes, suggesting a targeted attack.
Chief Inspector Small told reporters of the driver's fortune, stating, "All of these bullets more than likely passed through him within inches or less, and he has one graze wound to the abdomen. He's extremely, extremely lucky."
IAuthorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the hotel and surrounding areas to identify the shooter or shooters involved. No arrests have been made at this time, and the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS.
