Just after 2 a.m. on February 1st, protection rangers heard multiple gunshots coming from the 500 block of Market Street. This is just one block north of the Liberty Bell Center, and the location of the Independence Visitor Center. Guards at the site advised dispatch and the responding rangers that shots had been fired in the area. Rangers found a vehicle with several bullet holes and extensive damage to its passenger side window on the sidewalk directly in front of the Liberty Bell Pavilion. A man was seen outside the vehicle; the rangers took cover, then ordered him to the ground. He refused to comply, got back in the car, and attempted to flee. The vehicle was severely damaged, though, so he was only able to back off the sidewalk and travel another several hundred feet before having to stop. He then got out of the car and entered another vehicle that had pulled up alongside him. Rangers broadcast the latter vehicle?s description to responding Philadelphia police officers, who stopped it several blocks away. The occupants were arrested. A number of shell casings and a loaded firearm were found on park property. All evidence was turned over to Philadelphia police, who are handling the arrests and further investigation. No NPS employees were injured nor were any weapons discharged at or by the rangers responding to the scene.
