An 88-year-old grandfather and Air Force veteran was fatally shot in broad daylight while sitting in his car in West Philadelphia, police said.
The victim, identified by family members Richard Butler, was in a white Hyundai Santa Fe on the 100 block of North Dewey Street when the shooting started, WPVI reported. According to home surveillance video obtained by the news station, the gunman exited a silver sedan on Tuesday around 1:35 p.m., ran up to Butler’s car and unleashed several rounds.
Despite being struck in the chest twice, Butler attempted to drive away. His vehicle eventually jumped the curb of a nearby sidewalk, hitting and tipping over a plant, before coming to a full stop.
Bystanders attempted to break into the vehicle to help Butler in the moments after the shooting. Sources told NBC 10 the group used a tire iron to shatter the driver’s side window and gain access to the wounded grandfather. He was then rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead just before 2 p.m.
“You know my father never bothered nobody,” the victim’s son, Orlando Butler, told the news station. “He’s just a retired military vet. He’s been an outstanding citizen in the community. Took care of all the kids from the block. For this to happen to my father, this is truly a sad situation.”
Butler, who spent years in the Air Force, was also a retired SEPTA driver. His family said he was also an essential member of the community.
“This man did nothing to anyone and he gave to everyone,” Minette Finn, Butler’s great niece, said.
So far, authorities have not provided any details about the suspected shooter, nor have they revealed a potential motive for the gun violence. They are hoping security and surveillance cameras in the area will lend more insight into the deadly shooting.
