The same day a teen boy was killed and three others injured during a drive-by shooting, police say two other violent incidents occurred in Chester.
On Saturday, shortly after 3:30 a.m., Robert Morris, 40, was on the 900 block of Clover Street talking on the phone with his girlfriend. Suddenly, police say, a gunman approached him, robbed him and opened fire. Morris was pronounced dead shortly after.
"She[his girlfriend] said she heard a scuffle like they were fighting," said Morris' sister, Janene Shipley. "The phone went dead. He had about $75 on him."
Police have not yet released a description of the suspect but say that he used a 9 mm handgun.
Morris was a father of four and a contractor who worked to rebuild areas affected by Superstorm Sandy.
After the deadly drive-by shooting on Rose and Upland Street, investigators say Police Commissioner Joseph Bail arrested a suspect in a third shooting that day. Robert Morris
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According to police, Charles Holland, 64, was outside with his wife and two dogs in Chester Park on the 200 block of Parkway shortly before 7:30 p.m. As he was standing, Holland says he spotted an unleashed English bulldog coming towards them. Believing the dog would attack his wife and pets, Holland fired a shot, striking the dog. Investigators say the bullet traveled through the dog’s neck and struck the palm of the dog’s owner, who has not been identified. Both the dog and the owner survived the shooting.
Bail, who was on his way home after leaving the scene of the drive-by shooting, heard reports of the Chester Park shooting on scanner radio. Bail then spotted Holland.
"Upon my arrival I observed the suspect," said Bail. "We took him at gunpoint."
Holland is charged with aggravated assault. Police say he has a license and permit to carry a weapon.
Both Commissioner Bail and Chester Mayor John Linder attended a crime-fighting strategy session on Sunday.
"What I need are systematic plans to get a hold of the streets," said Mayor Linder. "We need to re-deploy our personnel in proper ways."
