Security Guard Involved in Road Rage Shooting

A security guard has been released from questioning after a road rage shooting in North Philadelphia.

The man, a contracted security officer who works in a federal building in Center City, told police the ordeal began shortly before 2 p.m. after he tried to pass a Gray Buick Century while driving near 13th and Melon Streets.

"I was passing him by and he was in two lanes and then he just started firing a gun out of the passenger side," said the guard, who did not want to reveal his name.

The guard, who was headed to work in a full uniform and a bulletproof vest, says the other man in the Buick fired seven shots at his car. The guard, who is legally allowed to carry a gun as part of his employment, fired back.

"My safety was in danger," said the guard.

The guard says the man, who was with another passenger, then began to drive off. The guard called 911 and then pursued them until the alleged gunman jumped out of the Buick and ran inside an apartment complex on the 800 block of Reno Street as his friend drove away. The guard also says he fired shots as he chased after the gunman.

The SWAT team and homeland security officers were called to the complex. When the officers arrived however, the alleged gunman was nowhere to be found. Police then took the security guard into custody for questioning in order to verify his story. Officials say they confirmed that he is a contractor working as a security guard and he has not been charged.

They also issued an arrest warrant for the man who allegedly shot at him.

"We have a lot of witnesses that we have taken statements from," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan. "We kind of have to put the pieces together."

Gail Thomas says she witnessed the guard firing his gun but didn't see anyone else.

"He was standing in the middle of the street, pointing that gun at every house on this row," said Thomas. "He acted like he was crazy because there wasn't anyone else out here with a gun but him."

Thomas says the guard initially claimed the gunman went inside her house.

"First he said he went in my house," said Thomas. "I told police they could go in my house and see."

Thomas also believes the guard put neighborhood residents at risk when he fired back at the alleged gunman.

"He wasn't chasing after anybody, it was just him!" she said. "He was out of his damned mind! I really think he was unprofessional!"

The guard says he would have acted differently if he had to do it all over again.

"I wouldn't have fired at him," he said. "But I was just trying to keep an eye on him and give police information on him."

Police say they have identified the alleged gunman who fired at the security guard but are not releasing his name. They also say his vehicle has a Delaware license plate. They continue to search for him. 

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