Drexel Student Charged After North Philadelphia Shooting

Police say officers responding to a shooting at a home on West Dauphin Street around 9 a.m. on November 2 found a 22-year-old man wounded in the neck. He was taken to Temple University Hospital and was stable by November 4, authorities said. Prosecutors said he had a fractured neck vertebra, with a projectile still lodged inside, and might face lasting mobility problems. He was able to speak with detectives.

Authorities allege Roberts, also 22, was at the home with the victim and other people when he pulled a handgun from a waist pack and fired once. Witnesses did not see the shooting itself, police said, but several identified Roberts as the shooter. Two said they saw him with a gun just after the shot. The victim’s girlfriend told police she turned away briefly and, when she looked back, saw Roberts holding a smoking gun as the victim fell.

Police said a pistol with a .45-inch bore and a brown grip turned up on a kitchen counter. In a statement to police after being advised of his rights, Roberts said he did not remember what happened. Authorities have not identified a motive and said the investigation is continuing.

Roberts was arrested at the home and is being held on $2 million bail. Charges include attempted murder, causing serious bodily harm, carrying a weapon for criminal use, minor assault and endangering others. Drexel said it is cooperating with law enforcement and taking steps under its policies.