A 29-year-old man walking home from watching Monday Night Football with his friends was left severely injured after being shot by an attempted robber just a block from his home.
The family of the victim, Kevin Neary, says his spine was shattered when he was shot in the neck, and that Kevin will likely be paralyzed for life from the neck down.
"Kevin has a strength of spirit that will make him get through this," said his father Joe Neary, Sr.
Philadelphia Police are on the lookout for the alleged thief who they say shot Neary early Tuesday morning in Northern Liberties.
The incident happened around 2:45 a.m. as Neary walked along the 700 block of Bodine Street, according to Philadelphia Police.
The suspect -- described as a 5-foot-11, 190-pound black male, 30 to 35 years old who was wearing a black cap, army coat and gray hoodie -- approached Neary with a handgun and attempted to rob him, police said.
During the encounter the suspect allegedly shot Neary once in the neck leaving the man fighting for his life, police said.
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"(The Victim) didn't resist," said Police Lt. Patrick Dougherty. "Before he had a chance to even respond the male shot him in the head."
The gunfire awoke Neary's roommate and some neighbors who called for help.
Neary is currently unable to speak but is communicating with his family through letters on a board.
"It just makes us really sad that his life is going to be changed forever because someone decided to do this to him," said Kevin's brother Chris Neary.
The suspect was captured on camera just before the crime.
"We just want to see this person brought to justice." said Chris Neary.
If you see the suspect, do not approach him and call 9-1-1 immediately. If you have any information on the crime call 215-686-8477 or contact Central Detectives Kerwin or Rocks at 215-686-3093/94.
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