UPPER DARBY. Pennsylvania — The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Thursday on the 7200 block of West Chester Pike. Video obtained by Action News shows two suspects approaching a white Honda SUV and struggling to gain control of the vehicle. Inside the car were a father and his two children, a 2-month-old and a 5-year-old.
Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt explained that the altercation happened while the children’s mother was in a nearby store. According to authorities, one suspect managed to take control of the vehicle, driving away with the 2-month-old child still inside.
The suspect, dressed in all dark clothing, reached the area of State Road and West Chester Pike before fleeing on foot. He was last seen near the Cobbs Creek Golf Club in Philadelphia. Fortunately, the 2-month-old was found unharmed and was reunited with family members at the police station.
The second suspect was described as wearing a dark gray shirt and a pink arm cast and was last spotted running towards the 69th Street Transportation Center.
Later that evening, around 8 p.m., a tip led police and a SWAT team to search New Street, but the suspects were not located. Superintendent Bernhardt made a public appeal to the suspects: “I’m pleading with the two individuals, our two suspects, turn yourselves in.”
During the altercation, a bullet was fired, striking a SEPTA bus traveling eastbound on West Chester Pike. The bullet passed through a window, but no one was injured. A SEPTA spokesperson stated, “This was a harrowing incident. We are thankful that there were no injuries to the bus operator or the 25 customers on board the vehicle. We commend the bus operator for reacting immediately to help keep passengers safe.”
A weapon was recovered from the driver’s seat of the family’s vehicle, which has since been towed from the scene. The father sustained minor injuries in the struggle.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the suspects to contact the Upper Darby Police Department or dial 911.
