Philadelphia authorities have identified a 15-year-old suspect in connection with a tragic attempted carjacking that resulted in the death of Michael Salerno, 50, last week, Your Content has learned.
The incident took place at the intersection of 12th and Porter streets in South Philadelphia around 10:45 p.m. on July 12.
According to the Philadelphia police Department, Salerno was shot and killed while three male suspects, estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, were attempting to carjack his vehicle. Tragically, a female friend was inside the car at the time of the incident.
Lieutenant Hamilton Marshmond, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police, described the suspects as aggressive and violent from the beginning of the encounter. In an attempt to intervene, Salerno was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
One of the suspects involved in the carjacking has been identified as 15-year-old Rasheed Banks Jr. The authorities consider him armed and dangerous and are currently conducting a search to apprehend him.
Notably, Salerno was not inside the vehicle at the time of the attempted carjacking, according to the police’s findings. It appears that the suspects may have been circling the neighborhood in a Red Kia Soul with out-of-state plates, possibly searching for a target to rob or a vehicle to steal.
Witnesses recounted the disturbing scene, with Jackeline Ortiz recalling the commotion and the victim lying on the street in a pool of blood. The suspects managed to escape in the Kia Soul, which was last spotted heading south on 12th Street.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of Rasheed Banks Jr. to come forward and assist the investigation. Tips can be provided by calling the police at 215-686-TIPS, and informants can choose to remain anonymous.