PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Three people were allegedly shot by a neighbor during a dispute over fireworks in Philadelphia’s Brewerytown neighborhood early Tuesday morning.
Officials say another neighbor also returned fire during the altercation.
It happened just after 1 a.m. in the 1600 block of N. Newkirk Street at Oxford Street.
According to police, several people were setting off fireworks when an angry neighbor came outside and an argument ensued.
Officials say that neighbor shot three people before another neighbor came outside and returned fire.
More than a dozen shots were fired by the time it ended.
A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said people usually shoot off fireworks, but never that late.
“The fireworks sounded like a bomb. It was definitely a mortar-sized firework. It wasn’t your sparkler — and then multiple shots. It just continued,” said the neighbor. “This is not something that normally happens on our block. This is a calm…everybody kind of knows everybody.”
Bullet holes were left in nearby homes, as neighbors expressed their shock about what unfolded.
“It’s almost the 4th of July. Sometimes I mistake fireworks for gunshots or vice versa. I don’t know what’s going on,” added Angelane Lewis Watson.
A 23-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man were shot and remain in critical condition at Temple Hospital.
Police say a 22-year-old woman was also taken to the hospital in stable condition.
“It’s so scary because we do have children out here. Granted, at that time, everyone should be in the house. We’re in the house and anything can happen,” Watson said. “We just pray. Just pray for everything, everyone’s safety.”
No word yet on any arrests or charges.
The incident remains under investigation.
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