Attempted robbers on dirt bikes chase, shoot 17-year-old delivery worker, police say

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 17-year-old delivery worker was shot while driving his motorized scooter in South Philadelphia early Wednesday, police said. The victim was being chased by a group on dirt bikes that was trying to rob him.

Shortly before 12:30 a.m., a group of about eight males attempted to rob the victim at 10th and South streets, according to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. The victim tried to get away on his scooter, but the group broke off into pairs, riding on four dirt bikes, and chased after him.

They chased him for about 10 blocks to 10th and Federal streets. That is where at least one shot was fired and the victim was struck in the leg.

“We believe the 17-year-old, after being shot, was able to drive his motorized scooter about 100 feet south on 10th Street, where he crashed into a parked, unattended vehicle,” Small said.

The shooting and crash occurred close to Capitolo Playground.

Police were called and they took the teen to the hospital, where he was listed as stable. No one was arrested. Police did not initially release a description of the members of the group.

Detectives are scouring through neighborhood surveillance cameras.