PHILADELPHIA, Miss.–Several people, businesses and cars have been shot over the past two days in Philadelphia. But, police believe they have the person responsible for some of the mayhem in custody.
Police Chief Eric Lyons identified the suspect as Jonathan Salvador, 31, of Mexico. Lyons believes Salvador, 31, may be in the country illegally. He said police searched Salvador’s residence, which is on Alford St, near where police heard shots early Saturday, and found 30 or so shell casings and found an AR style rifle, which they believe was used in the shootings.
Lyons also said that a local gun dealer sold Salvador ammo, but denied him the purchase of an AR-15 before the shootings.
He said investigators still don’t know what the motive may have been.
“We’re not familiar with this guy. Not many people know much about him, not even the guys that were in the house with him,” said Lyons. “He was just living at this residence. We pinpointed this guy and his involvement with the shootings.”
Lyons said Salvador shot at officers in addition to the other people who were reported shot and faces attempted murder and several other charges.
AUDIO
Lyons said it is still unclear whether the name Salvador gave them is actually his name and said Salvador denied being an illegal alien.
“We’re working with other agencies to get an idea of exactly who this guy is,” he said.
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THE SHOOTINGS IN A NUTSHELL
- Friday and earlier, windows and glass were shot out in several businesses downtown
- Saturday morning several people and cars were shot by a sniper who was able to elude police in the area of Beacon and Alford streets.
- Also Saturday morning, a jealous boyfriend shoots a man in bed with his ex. Police were unclear if this shooting was related.
- Also Saturday morning, police searched a residence on Alford St., find a pistol and arrest the man they believe to be the shooter.
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According to a press release from Lyons several businesses downtown were shot up, with window and glass damage at the end of the week. Lyons said officers were patrolling the area where that happened Friday. Early Saturday morning, at about 12:50, they heard shots in the area of Pearl St. and Lewis Ave. Those shots apparently hit a car on Beacon St.
As some cops tended to that shooting, others heard more shots as someone shot at traffic near Beacon and Alford streets. The shooter was well-hidden and was able to take off before officers got there. But, they did find shell casings in the front and back of a residence on Alford.
There were six people inside the house. Officers ushered them out, searched, found one pistol and made an arrest. That person would later be identified as their suspect.
The Stakes Get Higher
A short time later a man was reported shot in the head in the area of Beacon and Austin streets. Police weren’t sure if the injuries came from a bullet or glass. Then another person was shot inside a car headed west on Beacon. The driver rushed that person to the hospital.
Another car was hit in the roof as police were closing the street. That car stopped at Main St. Junction where someone reported the shooting.
All of these shootings apparently happened before Salvador was arrested and reported to police a short time later.
A Jealous Boyfriend Accused of Shooting Girlfriend’s Lover While the Investigation Is Going On
At 3:30 a.m. a man busted in on his ex and another man who were in bed together at a house on Donald Ave., police say, shooting the man in the head before taking off. That incident was not related to the other shootings. Police put that shooter’s info out to neighboring police departments. Chief Lyons did not have a report on the victim’s condition Saturday afternoon.
Another Boyfriend/Girlfriend Incident
A 4 a.m. in the same area, officers heard gunshots while on Loper St. and also got a call about those shots, saying a boyfriend had fired at his girlfriend. No one was hurt and police were able to arrest the boyfriend.
“Philadelphia Police Department will continue to investigate and stop the senseless shooting from continuing,” said Lyons. “We will increase patrol and put more officers in places of concern until we take back control of the city.”
