6 Injured After Driver Intentionally Runs Them Over During Altercation In North Philadelphia, Police Say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A vehicle ran over people "like bowling pins," a witness told Eyewitness News, after a man driving a Buick Century intentionally struck a group of people due to an altercation, injuring six people, according to police. The incident happened just before 4 p.m. at 16th Street and Lehigh Avenue.
As violent as that block is known to be, witnesses were overcome by the incident.
On mild evenings like this, Lorenzo and his friend, Ricky, sit outside and sometimes they discuss past violence that has plagued their block. But on Tuesday, the present interrupted.
According to police, a fight broke out on 16th and Lehigh that escalated, when investigators say a man purposely ran into the crowd with his Buick Century.
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"We are getting information from witnesses and the victims that this 44-year-old driver intentionally drove into a crowd, striking these six individuals," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
Three men and three women, ranging in age from 17 to mid-40s, were hit, according to authorities.
"He lost his mind," Ricky said. "He lost his mind and then the neighborhood guys, they jumped on him."
"Some people from the neighborhood pulled the driver out of the vehicle and assaulted him, causing injuries to his face," Small said.
The driver was apprehended and taken to Hahnemann Hospital. Witnesses say the driver was yelling about his brother during the incident. Police also believe the initial fight may have involved the driver's family member.
Of the six victims, four, including two teenage girls, are in stable condition at Temple University Hospital. Two men, ages 37 and 42, suffered head trauma and were transported in critical condition.
"It was bad, and I don't know any of the guys, but they were humans," Lorenzo said.
Police hope private surveillance cameras in the area will reveal more details about the crime.
