Pizza delivery driver shot dead in North Philadelphia, suspect at large

A 28-year-old pizza delivery driver was shot in the head and killed in North Philadelphia after completing a delivery to a vacant unit. Police have a lead via the phone number used to place the order.

Pizza delivery driver killed after drop-off at vacant Philadelphia apartment

A 28-year-old pizza delivery driver was shot in the head and killed in North Philadelphia in the early hours of Friday morning, fox59.com reports. The incident took place around 12:30 a.m. at the Raymond Rosen Homes on the 2300 block of Edgley Street.

Officers found the man lying unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. "He was lying on the ground unresponsive, bleeding heavily with a gunshot wound to his head," said Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department. The victim was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Action News confirmed the victim worked for Pete's Pizza. Inside the vacant apartment to which the delivery had been made, officers recovered three pizza boxes and a bag that appeared untouched, suggesting the driver had completed the delivery before being shot outside. His vehicle was found nearby, with a pizza warmer still inside.

Three spent shell casings were recovered just inches from where the victim was found. "Which is an indication that the shooter or shooters were standing very, very close to the victim," Small said.

Surveillance cameras operated by the Philadelphia Housing Authority captured portions of the incident. While the shooting itself was not recorded, footage shows the delivery driver walking with the boxes while being followed by two individuals dressed in dark clothing. One of them appeared to be carrying a dark backpack.

Investigators identified a critical lead through the phone number used to place the pizza order. "We do have the phone number that made that pizza delivery," Small said. No arrests have been made.

This is the second Pete's Pizza delivery driver to be fatally shot in recent years. In 2024, a 29-year-old driver was killed in front of the store. Later that same year, a 26-year-old man was shot and killed inside the store in what police described as a possible road rage incident.

Customers reacted with concern over the dangers facing delivery workers. "To know that people are just out here recklessly with guns and stuff like that, it's very uncertain," said customer Melissa Garson. "Coming home is a blessing today."

Customer Chris Jones said workers should act on instinct when a delivery feels unsafe. "If you don't feel safe, you go about your business. You don't even stick around," he said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.

Source: Google News VC — Crime