Watch CBS News

Toddler, Man Dead, 3 Others Critically Wounded In Douglass Township Shooting, Gunman Remains At Large

DOUGLASS TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS/AP) – Authorities say a shooting at a rural home in suburban Philadelphia killed a 5-year-old boy and a man and critically injured three other people. A manhunt is under way for the shooter.

People who live near Renninger Road and Hoffmansville Road in the Bechtelsville section of Douglass Township were told to stay inside their homes, as police from more than a half-dozen municipalities investigated a multiple shooting that left this Montgomery County community on edge.

Police were called late Saturday to the residence, about 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

First Assistant District Attorney Kevin R. Steele identified the dead Sunday as 43-year-old Joseph Shay of Yarmouth, Mass., and New York City and 5-year-old Gregory Erdmann of Fall River, Mass.

The boy's mother, 37-year-old Kathryn Erdmann, was shot in the head and is listed in critical condition. Also critically injured were the homeowners, 64-year-old Paul Shay and 58-year-old Monica Shay of New York City.

Oren Liebermann reports...

"What we're asking for right now is the public's assistance," said Steele. "If anyone in the area sees anything unusual or people or person that is unfamiliar to them in the area, we're asking for them to call the police department right away."

No suspect is in custody at this time, and police don't have a description of the shooter, said Steele who added the survivors were unable to speak to investigators.

The Montgomery County district attorney and the Douglass Township Police chief have launched a murder investigation. Authorities were combing the area by helicopter and with the help of police dogs and the SWAT team. Steele urged residents to assist in the search.

Reported By Ian Bush, Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio; Jericka Duncan, CBS 3

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.