During a press conference on Friday morning, Lansdale Police Chief Michael Trail and Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert provided details from Thursday night’s shooting, as well as established a connection to a previous shooting that occurred in early June on West Fifth Street.
“I would like to reassure the community that Lansdale Police are actively investigating this case, and it does not appear to be a random act of violence and instead it was a targeted event,” said Herbert. “As a community, Lansdale remains united against this type of violence, and I am confident that our police department will be bringing those involved in this heinous act of violence to justice in swift fashion.”
First responders were dispatched to the unit block of West Hancock Street at 9:49 p.m. on July 7 for a report of a shooting. Arriving officers located three male victims, identified as 19-year-old Nasir Miller, of Hatfield Township, 18-year-old Samir Harris, of Philadelphia, and 21-year-old Malicahi Swindell, of Philadelphia, lying on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
All three men were transported from the scene via ambulance to local hospitals, where they were airlifted to trauma centers in Philadelphia. Trail said late Thursday night the victims’ injuries were believed to be non-life-threatening.
“The victims were walking westbound on West Mount Vernon Street when a vehicle approached, and the occupants of the vehicle opened fire,” Trail said. “The vehicle then fled the scene at a high rate of speed.”
All three victims then ran from the scene, before collapsing along the unit block of West Hancock Street.
While speaking about Thursday night’s incident, Trail revealed the first connection to the June 6 shooting on West Fifth Street, with Miller being a victim of both incidents – having been shot in the arm and hand areas during the previous shooting.
Trail also revealed that 10 9mm shell casings that were recovered along the unit block of West Mount Vernon Street were consistent with casings found at the location of the June 6 shooting.
“What’s most concerning about these two shootings is the absolute lack of cooperation on the part of the victims,” Trail said. “In last night’s incident, one of the victims was actively trying to hide his cell phone from criminal investigators to ensure it could not be used in the investigation.”
Trail said the shooters are likely known to both members of the community as well as the victims, and with the victims refusing to cooperate, he’s calling on the public at large to provide any information about either shooting.
“We need your tips. We need your information,” Trail said. “We need your help. This senseless gun violence taking place in our community and across the nation cannot continue. While we know this was a targeted attack, and we do not believe there is an active threat to our community, individuals who are capable of perpetrating these heinous acts are dangerous and a threat to anyone.”
Asked if investigators had any leads or background information pointing to why Miller would be targeted twice, Trail circled back to their lack of cooperation.
“I’m sure they understand why they were targeted [twice], but at this time we don’t have further information to release,” said Trail.
Investigators are working to determine the make and model of the vehicle involved in the shooting, and stated they will provide another update at 2 p.m.
See also:
Multiple People Wounded in Thursday Night Shooting in Lansdale, Suspect Not in Custody [UPDATED]
Police Release Details of Sunday Night Shooting Incident in Hatfield, Public Assistance Sought
Knife-Wielding Man in ‘Grave Condition’ After Being Shot by Police in Hatfield: Report
Police Say Victim of Lansdale Shooting was Targeted, Investigation is Ongoing
