Philadelphia

Man Shot, Killed While Getting Cash at ATM Inside Philly Bank

Police believe the motive was robbery and found a large wad of cash near the man’s body.

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A man was shot and killed while getting cash at an ATM inside a Philadelphia bank Thursday night. 

The 69-year-old man, identified as James Watson, was inside the vestibule getting money from the ATM at the Citizens Bank on the 5700 block of Germantown Avenue at 8:14 p.m. when he was approached by two suspects. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and opened fire, shooting the man once in the right abdomen and once in the chest, police said.

Both suspects then fled the scene.

Watson was pronounced dead by medics at 8:30 p.m. Police believe the motive was robbery and found a large wad of cash near the man’s body. Police are unsure if the suspects took any of the money.

On Friday, police arrested and charged 23-year-old Corey Thompson with Watson's murder. Thompson is also charged with violation of the uniform firearms act-no license, possession of an instrument of crime, robbery and other related offenses.

Entering Friday, at least 87 homicides were reported this year in Philadelphia. That's up about 5% from the same time last year, which wound up being the deadliest year on record in the city.

There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.

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