PHILADELPHIA – An investigation is underway after police say a vehicle struck multiple people, including kids, in Philly’s Holmesburg neighborhood Friday night.
What we know:
At around 6 p.m. Friday, Philly police officers and the off-road motorcycle unit responded to the 4700 block of Marple Street in Holmesburg for reports that a vehicle hit multiple people at a prom gathering.
Upon arrival, police say five people were injured, including a 43-year-old woman and four children ages 3, 4, 5, and 6.
According to Inspector D.F. Pace, originally all five victims were taken to nearby hospitals in serious and critical condition.
The 43-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl were taken to Einstein Hospital.
A 3-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl were taken to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
A 4-year-old boy was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.
As of 8 p.m. Friday, four of the five victims sustained minor injuries and are reportedly in stable condition. The 4-year-old boy remains in critical condition.
Police say the striking vehicle, a burgundy Chrysler 300, was driven by an 18-year-old man who was reportedly on his way to the party when he hit the crowd.
The driver did not stay at the scene.
According to Pace, a parent of one of the children who was struck got into their own car and chased the 18-year-old driver for about four blocks, eventually catching up to him on the 4500 block of Shelmire Avenue.
A physical altercation happened between the parent and the driver, who was then taken into custody by police.
The vehicle involved has been recovered and is being held by investigators.
What they’re saying:
Tanya Roach, who called 911 after witnessing the car’s behavior, said, “All of a sudden, it just revved its engine, did a burnout, and went up the street. I hear pop, pop, pop and now I see that it was the balloons that were popping I’m assuming and people screaming.”
Party host and homeowner Shantee Pruitt said, “He called me ‘mom’.” Pruitt also said, “He was caught, captured, got what he deserved, and hopefully he really suffers to the fullest extent of the law.”
Dig deeper:
Police say the injured woman is the grandmother of two of the children, and the other two children are relatives of other party attendees.
The event was described as a block party and prom celebration.
Despite the crash, prom photos still took place outside on the street, with a senior even taking pictures with officers.
What’s next:
Investigators are still piecing together what happened during the confrontation between the parent and the driver, and are determining if any charges will be filed related to that altercation.
For now, police say the 18-year-old driver will be charged with hitting the victims and fleeing the scene.
What we don’t know:
The identity of the driver has not yet been released. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
The Source: Information from Philadelphia Police.
