Police say a 16-year-old boy was found shot in the chest and pronounced dead inside the bathroom of a Chipotle near Temple University shortly after 5 p.m. on Jan. 12. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the teen entering the restroom with another person; a spent shell casing was recovered at the scene. A person of interest was detained nearby, and Temple University Police are assisting the Philadelphia Police Department in the investigation. Authorities have not yet determined a motive and are asking anyone with information to call 215-686-TIPS.
16-Year-Old Fatally Shot Inside Chipotle Near Temple University; Investigation Ongoing
The scene outside of Chipotle at North 12 Street and Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia, on Monday evening. (NBC Philadelphia)
A 16-year-old boy was found dead inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s North Philadelphia campus after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest, Philadelphia police say.
The shooting occurred just after 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Chipotle on the 1100 block of Montgomery Avenue at North 12th Street. Officers who arrived discovered the teenager inside the restroom and recovered one spent shell casing, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said. Medics pronounced the victim dead at the scene at approximately 5:24 p.m.
Small said the teen had been in the restaurant with at least two other people and asked an employee for the key to the bathroom. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the 16-year-old entering the restroom with another person; employees discovered him moments later. Those who were present during the busy dinner rush are being interviewed as witnesses as investigators reconstruct the events.
Crime scene officers entering the Chipotle restaurant on Monday evening. (NBC Philadelphia)
A person of interest was taken into custody nearby, though police have not confirmed whether that individual is being held as a suspect or as a potential witness. Authorities noted that the victim's last known address is roughly eight blocks from the restaurant.
Temple University warned students to avoid the area while police activity was underway; the shooting occurred on the first day of the university’s spring semester. The Temple University Police Department is assisting the Philadelphia Police Department in the investigation.
Police had not identified a motive as of Monday night and asked anyone with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
“We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at our restaurant on the 1100 block of Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia and we hope the individuals responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The safety of our employees and guests is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the Philadelphia Police Department, and the restaurant will remain closed while we assist with their investigation. We are offering the services of a professional counselor to all our employees at the restaurant. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS.” — Chipotle spokesperson to NBC10
The investigation is ongoing. Police continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage to determine the circumstances and any possible motive.
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