14-year-old student killed, 4 injured in shooting after Philadelphia high school football scrimmage

PHILADELPHIA (TCD) -- Police are looking for several people suspected of opening fire on a group of high school students who had just finished a football scrimmage.

According to Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith, on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at around 4:41 p.m., officers responded to the area near Roxborough High School and Pechin Street for reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found four victims on the sidewalk and a fifth located nearby.

All five were transported to nearby hospitals, but a 14-year-old who was shot in the chest was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:09 p.m. The other four were treated and listed in stable condition.

WPVI-TV identified the victim as Nicholas Elizalde, who was a student at Saul High School, while the other four attended Roxborough High School.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, detectives believe at least one of the victims may have been targeted, but Elizalde was "a totally innocent victim."

Philadelphia Police said a group of students were walking northbound on Pechin Street following a football game with Roxborough High School, Northeast High School, and Boys’ Latin Charter School. As they made their way up the street, the suspects allegedly "ambushed" the students and opened fire.

Surveillance footage shared by the department shows five suspects getting out of a light-colored SUV and opening fire. Four suspects reportedly ran back to the car, while another chased one of the victims down the street. The shooter reportedly stood over that victim and tried to shoot him, but he ran out of bullets. Elizalde suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

Police said they recovered 64 shell casings from the scene. There is a $40,000 reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The victims ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old.

School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. said in a statement, "The School District of Philadelphia is heartbroken and angered by the shooting today outside of Roxborough High School, which tragically impacted five youth and tragically took the life of one. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and school communities of all of the students that have been impacted by this horrific incident."

MORE:

• Wanted: Suspects for Homicide in the 5th District - Philadelphia Police Department
• Homicide 4700 Pechin St  - Philadelphia Police Department
• 5 Students Shot, 1 Killed, at Roxborough High School Football Scrimmage - NBC Philadelphia
• School officials respond after deadly ambush shooting near Roxborough High School - WPVI
• At least one teen victim was targeted in shooting at Roxborough High School; Philly officials looking for five suspects - Philadelphia Inquirer
• 5 teen football players shot after ambush near Roxborough High School in Philadelphia; 1 dead - WPVI