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Elderly Man Shot During Home Invasion In Southwest Philadelphia

By Elizabeth Hur

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The search is on for a home invasion suspect who shot an 80-year-old man and ran away empty-handed.

The victim, according to sources, is 80-year-old Joseph Fleming. Police say he is recovering from gunshot wounds to his stomach and leg.

"Oh my God!"

At the scene of the crime, Eyewitness News caught one woman who was overcome with shock and grief when she heard the news.

"It's my uncle!"

She claimed to be related to Fleming. She rushed over to police for more information. She was too upset to talk to reporters but neighbors expressed their disbelief.

Angelina Blackman said, "He's a nice guy. He and his wife are really nice. I mean it's like unbelievable. I hope he's okay."

Police say it happened Thursday afternoon. We're told the victim was home watching TV when he heard noise coming from the basement.

Lt. John Walker explained, "As he's unlocking the door and open it a gun shot comes through the door and into his stomach, knocking him to the ground."

Police say it appears the suspect broke in through a side window, thinking in the middle of the day no one would be home.

"Unfortunately, the homeowner was home at the time. Why this guy would shoot through the door at an unarmed person is just incomprehensible," Walker added.

According to police, there have been several other burglaries in the area. It is unknown if they are connected but in this latest incident, no one claims to have seen anything. Some can see how that's possible.

Sarah Hackett explained, "A lot of people don't pay attention. They just mind their own business."
But others found that hard to believe.

Tracey Nesmith said, "You're supposed to look after your elders. There's no way in the world that you can't see things."

Angelina Blackman added, "They're scared but that could be somebody else's grandfather, I would want to know."

As of Thursday night, police said no eyewitness had come forward and their investigation is continuing with what evidence crime scene investigators were able to gather from the scene.

Fleming remains hospitalized at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in critical but stable condition.

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