PHILADELPHIA, PA — A man attempting to steal a vehicle was fatally shot by the car’s owner during a chaotic incident near an ATM in the Frankford neighborhood on Friday afternoon. The altercation occurred around 3:08 p.m. at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Pratt Street.
According to police, a 29-year-old man left his Honda running while he quickly used an ATM. During this brief moment, a 48-year-old suspect jumped into the running vehicle and began to drive away. The vehicle’s owner, a licensed concealed carry holder, fired a single gunshot, striking the suspect in the head.
The wounded suspect lost control of the car, crashing it into another vehicle near the Frankford Transportation Center. Jacques Sylvain, a taxi driver who narrowly avoided the crash, described the chaotic scene as the Honda zig-zagged toward his cab. “I see the car coming like zig-zag, coming straight to me,” Sylvain said.
Surveillance footage captured officers removing the suspect from the crashed car and rushing him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses, including Brianna Colter, described the confusion during the incident, initially believing the suspect might have been suffering a medical emergency.
Fortunately, no other injuries were reported. Police are questioning the car’s owner as part of the investigation. The shooting remains under review, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them at 215-686-TIPS.
When visiting an ATM, situational awareness is essential to prevent becoming a target for criminals. If possible, avoid using outdoor ATMs in high-traffic areas or at night. Alternatives like getting cash back during grocery store purchases can reduce exposure to risk. However, when an ATM visit is unavoidable, take precautions: scan the area for suspicious individuals, keep your vehicle locked and secure, and avoid distractions.
Importantly, never leave your car running and unattended, as this creates an easy opportunity for theft. In this case, the car owner’s decision to leave his vehicle running made him an immediate target. Thankfully, he was prepared to defend himself, but the situation could have been avoided altogether with more caution. This incident highlights the importance of personal safety, responsible firearm ownership, and eliminating vulnerabilities that attract criminals.
Here in Colorado, the car owner would likely be charged with manslaughter as the only justification for shooting another person is defense of one’s self or others, not of property, like a car. Home invaders, on the other hand, may be shot regardless of proof of immediate threat. If there had been another person in the car it would have been justified.
Honestly, it wasn’t smart to leave the car running.