Dramatic video shows the moment a gunman opened fire on a crowded Southwest Philadelphia street corner about 2 a.m. Sunday, killing a man and sending dozens of people gathered to watch a street race running for their lives.
The video, shared by the Philly StreetRace Team on its Facebook, YouTube and website, shows the beginning of a race along Essington Avenue near 66th Street in Eastwick, a popular spot for street racing not far from Philadelphia International Airport. Just after cars that appear to be racing take off, gunfire erupts by a BP gas station down the block and 20 shots ring out as people run for cover.
In the end, police said, 39-year-old Robert Ostiguin, of Northeast Philadelphia's Tacony neighborhood, died in the hail of gunfire. It appeared that the shooter targeted Ostiguin, but police on Monday said they don't yet know why. Responding officers found Ostiguin, suffering from several gunshot wounds, leaning against his motorcycle at the gas station, and medics pronounced him dead there just after 2 a.m. No one else in the large crowd of people was injured.
In comments on the video shared on Philly StreetRace Team's Facebook and YouTube pages, Ostiguin appeared to be well-known in the street racing community as "Mexican Rob." Condolences and "RIP" wishes poured in on the video posts.
So far, police have not identified any suspects in Ostiguin's killing. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 215-686-3334, or contact the police tip line at 215-686-8477 or via text at PPD TIP (773847). Tipsters may remain anonymous.
The shooting was one of 10 that happened in five hours across Philadelphia overnight Saturday into Sunday. The shootings left two people, including Ostiguin, dead, three people in critical condition and five others injured.
There is a $20,000 reward offered for information leading to arrest and conviction in any homicide in Philadelphia.
