Latest update: Saturday at 12:45 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The festive spirit of the ice rink at Dilworth Park outside of City Hall was interrupted briefly by gunfire Friday afternoon. Three teenagers were injured — one of them, in extremely critical condition.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said officers on scene heard four to five gunshots around 3:30 p.m. and sprang into action as visitors scattered away from the area.
“They moved right in towards the gunshots," Vanore said. He says they found two teens who had been hit by gunfire — one in the face and one in the leg — both were transported to the hospital immediately.
Police say the 14-year-old who was shot in the face is in extremely critical condition. The 15-year-old who was shot in the leg is in stable condition. Police say a third teen, also 14, was brought to the hospital hours later by his mother after being shot in the leg. He is in stable condition.
A 14-year-old was detained at the scene. Police say he is being charged as an adult with aggravated assault, conspiracy and related charges.
Immediately after the shooting, the ice rink area and half of the Christmas Village site at City Hall were closed off. Passengers exiting the Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line were routed to exit only through 15th Street Station.
Vendors like Brandon David Brown shut the doors to their booths when they heard gunfire.
“I saw what happened with the kid,” Brown said. "He took some people in for their safety before he closed his rolldown door.
“When I opened my booth back up, the kid was still over on the front. He was limping, and I saw that his friend was carrying him. I heard one of the kids yell, ‘He shot my friend.’ And it was just heartbreaking because he’s a teenage kid.”
Another vendor was talking to a customer when the shots were fired.
“I heard some shots rang off, and I seen everybody running. That's when I closed my door. I think it's terrible. It's just sad. This city is just sad.”
The area was taped off through the evening as vendors closed down early.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group is still putting the pieces together. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police at 215-686-8270 or submit tips anonymously via phone or text at 215-686-TIPS.