A teenage boy is dead following a shooting inside a Chipotle restaurant near the campus of Temple University in North Philadelphia, authorities confirmed Monday evening.
The incident unfolded during the dinner rush, prompting a large police response and heightened concern across the university area on the first day of the spring semester.
Shooting Reported Inside Restaurant Bathroom
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, officers were dispatched just after 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 to a Chipotle location at North 12th Street and Montgomery Avenue following reports of a person shot inside the restaurant.
When police arrived, they discovered a 16-year-old boy inside a bathroom with a gunshot wound to the chest. Investigators also located one spent shell casing at the scene.
Medics pronounced the teen dead at approximately 5:24 p.m., police said.
Surveillance Footage Shows Moments Before Shooting
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said surveillance video shows the teen inside the Chipotle with at least two other individuals. At some point, the boy asked employees for a key to the restroom.
Footage shows the teen entering the bathroom with one other person. Moments later, restaurant staff discovered him suffering from the gunshot wound, prompting the emergency call.
Police have not clarified whether the shooting was accidental or intentional, and no weapon has been publicly confirmed as recovered from the scene.
Busy Restaurant, Multiple Witnesses Interviewed
At the time of the shooting, the Chipotle was crowded with customers and employees due to the dinner rush, according to police. Detectives are now interviewing multiple witnesses who were inside the restaurant during the incident.
Authorities said the teen’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Person of Interest Detained Nearby
Police confirmed that a person of interest was taken into custody in the vicinity shortly after the shooting. However, investigators have not yet determined whether that individual is being treated as a suspect or a witness.
No motive has been identified as of Monday night, and no charges have been announced.
Campus Alert Issued Near Temple University
In response to the incident, Temple University officials warned students to avoid the area near the shooting due to ongoing police activity. The Temple University Police Department is assisting Philadelphia police with the investigation.
Monday marked the first day of the university’s spring semester, adding to concerns among students and faculty.
Chipotle Issues Statement After Shooting
Chipotle provided a statement later Monday night expressing condolences and confirming cooperation with authorities.
The company said the restaurant would remain closed during the investigation and that counseling services are being offered to affected employees. Chipotle also emphasized that the safety of its employees and guests remains its top priority.
Investigation Ongoing, Police Seek Information
The investigation remains active, and police say they are continuing to review surveillance footage and witness statements to determine exactly what led to the fatal shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously.
