3-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Gets Shot After Argument Between Tow Truck Drivers Turns Violent

A toddler in Philadelphia was allegedly shot following an argument between two tow truck drivers. The child was reportedly in one of the tow trucks when the incident took place.

The dispute began when the tow trucks were parked at a Jiffy Lube in Port Richmond around Sunday midnight. After the argument escalated in the parking lot, one of the tow truck drivers reportedly went to his vehicle, and took out a handgun. He then opened fire at the other driver's vehicle, the police said, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.

One of the bullets struck the unidentified 3-year-old, who was sitting inside the cab of the tow truck. The boy was rushed to a hospital with injuries to his leg, and was currently in a stable condition, the police said.

"Inside the truck was a 3-year-old child. Three bullets went through the door. The child was struck in the right leg," Philadelphia Police Department Capt. John Walker told NBC Philadelphia.

It was unclear what caused the argument between the drivers.

The toddler was initially taken to Temple University Hospital’s Episcopal Campus, and later transferred to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Walker added.

The details regarding the relationship between the child and the driver of the vehicle he was in were not revealed.

The officials have not made any arrests in connection with the incident. However, the police said they were on the lookout for the male suspect. The suspect was reportedly driving a black truck with tinted windows that had a tow underneath it, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The police said there have been reports of tow trucks often idling in the area to compete for business, and added several crashes also occurred there often due to drag races.

"We know this is a place that frequents drag racing and people watching those events. There's usually tow trucks that sit in this Jiffy Lube," Walker said.

The authorities have requested anyone with information to call the police at 215-686-TIPS.

According to the city controller’s office in Philadelphia, the incident is reported as the 17th shooting case involving children this year. At least six of the shootings have been fatal. However, according to reports, the shooting incidents have reduced by 20% compared to the same period last year.