A 14-year-old Bensalem boy was killed and two other teens were injured Tuesday night when police said shots were fired from a parked car into what was reportedly “a large group of juveniles fighting.”
The shooting occurred at about 7:35 p.m. near the corner of Bristol Pike and Woodbine Avenue in Bensalem. The vehicle then fled the scene. No arrests had been made by Wednesday afternoon.
Killed was Pietro Romano, a student at Snyder Middle School in the Bensalem School District, Bensalem police said on the department’s Crimewatch page.
A 17-year-old gunshot victim was in Jefferson Torresdale Hospital awaiting surgery to repair injuries to both legs Wednesday.
The third gunshot victim — a 19-year-old — was reportedly treated for injuries to the lower extremities and released Tuesday night from the hospital.
Witnesses allegedly told police the vehicle fled the scene on northbound Bristol Pike. Initial reports suggested that police are looking for a single shooter.
“We are utilizing all resources at our disposal to identify and arrest any persons who may be involved in this shooting and homicide,” police said on Crimewatch.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detective Brian Oliverio at 215-633-3669 or Detective Larry Leith at 215-633-3713. An anonymous tip can also be left at bucks.crimewatchpa.com/bensalempd.
A letter to families published on the school district’s website attributed to Superintendent Dr. Samuel Lee called the incident “deeply troubling” and stressed that the district is working to “address the emotional and psychological needs of our students and staff” through counseling and other support.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff and community members are of the utmost importance to us,” Lee said in the letter. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected individuals and their families during this incredibly challenging time.”
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