College Student Shot While Fighting Off Would-Be Carjackers, Police Say

A Philadelphia college student returning home was shot during what police said was an attempted carjacking near St. Joe's University's campus.

The shooting took place around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday along Upland Way, near Drexel Road, in the Overbrook neighborhood, Philadelphia police said.

The 21-year-old St. Joe's student had just parked his car near his off-campus home along the dark tree-lined street when two masked men got out of a dark-colored minivan -- possibly a Dodge Caravan -- and pulled him out of his car, police said.

The men tried to get the student's car keys, but he fought back, Capt. John Walker said.

As they struggled over the keys, the student was struck in the head with a handgun, Walker said. At least one of the would-be-thieves then fired two shots, striking the student in the knee.

Police officers rushed the 21-year-old man to the hospital with injuries to his head and leg, Walker said. He was listed in stable condition.

"We remain in close contact with the impacted student and are grateful that the injuries sustained are not life threatening," St. Joe's University spokeswoman Gabrielle Lacherz said.

The men got back into the minivan and drove off with the victim's keys, police said.

The investigation continued Wednesday morning.

Lacherz said that the university's public safety department was working with Philadelphia police to increase patrol around campus.

"Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our students. While these incidents are exceedingly rare among our community, they are nonetheless very concerning. We are reminding our community of the availability of 24/7 safety resources and ongoing support."