Feb 9 Schuylkill River Park Shooting Unfolded Near Children's Valentine's Event
By James Young and David Aragon
On February 9th, shortly before 7:00 pm, a teenage boy was non-fatally shot on the basketball court at Schuylkill River Park.
According to witnesses, two men entered the park through the Schuylkill River Trail and began shooting toward the basketball court, striking the 17-year-old victim once in the left arm. The victim was transported by police to Jefferson University Hospital, where he remains in recovery.
At the time of the shooting, a children’s Valentine’s Day event was being held at Markward Recreation Center on park grounds. Several children were in attendance at the event, as well as three rec center employees.
When reached by phone, a Markward Rec Center employee declined to comment, citing a policy that bars employees from speaking with the media.
Charlotte Merrick, a representative of Philadelphia’s Parks and Rec Department, said that “the Markward rec leader…put the building into lockdown while a youth program was underway and kept participants safe. The rec leader informed parents about the situation during youth pick up.”
A flier for the event on Facebook advertised a “Galentine’s Party” for girls ages 8-10. The event started at 6:30pm, about 30 minutes before the shooting took place.
“Your child is invited for a night of girl power at our GALENTINE'S PARTY!,” the post read. “Games, crafts, treats, friendship, fun and GIRL POWER!” would be on offer.
“The staff members acted quickly to secure the area,” Friends of Schuylkill River Park said in a public statement. “We are extremely grateful that our Rec Center staff kept the children in their care safe and emotionally secure during the event.”
Gunshots at the Basketball Court
Philadelphia Police Department Officer Shawn Ritchie gave the following statement to the Fitler Focus: “On 02/09/24 [near] S. Taney Street around 6:54 pm Police responded to a radio call for a person with a gun. Police met with a 17 year old black male who was suffering from a gunshot wound to his left arm. Police transported the male to Jefferson Hospital. The scene was held. Multiple arrest (sic) were made and multiple firearms were recovered. SIG is conducting the investigation.”
SIG, or Shooting Investigation Group, is a unit of the PPD that focuses exclusively on non-fatal shootings. It was created in 2022 by former police commissioner Danielle Outlaw, who resigned in 2023.
According to reporting by NBC10, three suspects have been arrested; the identities of these suspects have not been released.
Witnesses stated that gunfire was returned from the basketball court; it is unknown whether the victim or another individual returned fire. Police recovered four firearms from the scene.
This February 9th incident is the first recorded instance of a shooting occurring at Schuylkill River Park. Officer Jesse O’Shea of PPD District 9 was unable to comment on whether any additional public safety features will be added to the park, as the investigation remains open. However, O’Shea said that he has “been in communication” with Friends of Schuylkill River Park to discuss public safety and crime prevention.
Anybody with additional information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department, District 9.