Philadelphia, Pa. – A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday evening, according to the Philadelphia Police Department. The fatal shooting occurred during the dinner rush, prompting a heavy police presence and campus safety alerts on the first day of the university’s spring semester, as first reported by NBC10.
Shooting Occurred During Busy Evening Hours
Police said the shooting happened just after 5 p.m. on January 12 inside the Chipotle located at North 12th Street and Montgomery Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the teenage boy inside the restaurant’s bathroom with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said investigators also recovered one spent shell casing at the scene. The victim was pronounced dead by medics at approximately 5:24 p.m.
Surveillance Footage Shows Teen Entering Bathroom
According to police, the teen had entered the Chipotle with at least two other individuals. At some point, he asked employees for the key to the bathroom.
Surveillance footage shows the teen and one other person entering the bathroom together. Moments later, Chipotle employees discovered the teen suffering from a gunshot wound. Authorities have not released details about what occurred inside the bathroom prior to the shooting.
Person of Interest Detained Nearby
Investigators confirmed that a person of interest was taken into custody not far from the restaurant. However, police said it is still unclear whether that individual is being treated as a suspect or a witness.
Chief Inspector Small added that the teen’s last known address was approximately eight blocks away from where the shooting occurred.
Temple University Issues Safety Alert
Because of the close proximity to Temple University’s campus, students were advised to avoid the area near the Chipotle while police conducted their investigation. Monday marked the first day of the spring semester, heightening concerns among students and faculty.
The Temple University Police Department confirmed it is assisting the Philadelphia Police Department with the investigation.
No Motive Identified So Far
As of Monday night, authorities said they do not have a confirmed motive for the shooting. Detectives continue interviewing witnesses who were inside the restaurant at the time, including customers and employees.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Chipotle Responds to Tragic Incident
Chipotle issued a statement Monday night expressing condolences and confirming cooperation with law enforcement.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at our restaurant on the 1100 block of Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia and we hope the individuals responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the company said.
Chipotle added that the restaurant will remain closed while police continue their investigation and that professional counseling services are being offered to affected employees. The company said its thoughts are with the victim’s family and reiterated its commitment to guest and employee safety.
The investigation remains ongoing.
