Man killed after being shot multiple times outside alleged speakeasy: Police

A man died after being shot multiple times early Saturday outside an alleged speakeasy in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood, according to police.

Police said the shooting happened on the 3900 block of Frankford Avenue, near a reported speakeasy that has caused police trouble in the past.

According to police, a man in his 20s was shot at least three times. He was taken to Temple Hospital, where he died shortly after he arrived.

Police told NBC10 they believe the incident began as an altercation that moved onto the street, where more than 70 gunshots were fired.

Brian Mendez told NBC10 that he was in the bar when the shooting began, and said it started after a man got into an argument with a security guard outside.

‘“Then we saw on the cameras that one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at security,” he said. “So, security pulled out his own gun and pointed it at him, telling him to lower it, but he didn’t. Security felt threatened and fired.”

Christina Fulcher, who lives nearby, said that she and her three daughters went into hiding until the gunfire ceased.

“It was extremely loud. It woke my daughters up and it was very scary,” she said. “Very scary for my daughters, you know, having to wake up and then retreat and then duck. It’s just a scary situation.”

One person was initially taken into custody in connection with the shooting. However, police said no arrests have been made in this incident.

Police also said there was an arrest of a person who punched a police officer. The officer did not suffer major injuries.

Both Mendez and Fulcher told NBC10 that the incident has them worried about the neighborhood’s safety.

“I’m not even sure I feel safe going out anymore after this experience,” Fulcher said. “I’m not going to lie, it was a huge scare.”

Fulcher said that the speakeasy has contributed to the growing dangers in the area, and now she is looking to move.

“It’s a little heartbreaking,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking because we moved to this area for a safe haven years ago, and now my kids can’t even grow up in this area and I’m looking to move.”

About 20 minutes before this shooting happened, a 21-year-old man was found shot to death inside a stolen car in Crescentville, according to police.

Police said at this time, it has not been determined if these two homicides are related.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or leave an anonymous tip at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

CORRECTION: This article previously stated that the incident took place in the Philly’s Port Richmond neighborhood, but it has been corrected to Frankford.