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5 dead, 2 boys hurt after gunman opens fire at random in Philadelphia

The male, who was wearing a bulletproof vest with multiple weapons, was arrested by police.
5 dead, 2 boys hurt after gunman opens fire at random in Philadelphia
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A suspect is in police custody after a shooting that left five people dead and two boys injured in Philadelphia Monday night.

Police said the gunman in a bulletproof vest opened fire at random in the streets of the southwestern neighborhood of Kingsessing, Pennsylvania.

Officers said they were flagged down around 8:29 p.m., and also received multiple calls about gunfire. Police found several victims with gunshot wounds at the scene.

While preparing those victims for transport to the hospital, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said officers heard gunshots. After following the gunshots, police found more victims, and again heard more gunshots nearby.

Officers located the male suspect and pursued him while he was shooting. Both the male and officers were on foot. Police were able to apprehend and arrest him.

"This male was wearing a bulletproof vest with multiple magazines in the vest. He also had a scanner and an AR-style rifle and a handgun underneath his body," Outlaw said in a press conference. "He was taken into custody without further incident."

Individuals ranging from 15 to 59 years old were among the dead, police said.  

The injured children are ages 2 and 13. They are said to be stable at an area hospital. 

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Police said they are continuing to investigate a motive for the shooting.

"All we know is that this person decided to leave their home and to target individuals," Outlaw said. 

Another person is in custody who police said must've somehow picked up a gun in the area and returned fire in the direction of the shooter.

"We are trying to sort that out," Outlaw said.

A total of three guns were recovered in the incident.


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