Police: Beer outlet owner shoots teen who trashed store

Police are questioning the owner of a Northeast Philadelphia retail beer outlet who allegedly shot a 16-year-old boy after the teen and a companion trashed the store when they tried unsuccessfully to buy beer.

The wounded youth was reported in stable condition at Jeanes Hospital, where he was taken in a private car after the shooting.

Police said the incident took place around midnight when two teens walked into Kenny's Place Beer to Go, 898 E. Sanger Street, in Summerdale and asked to buy beer.

When the owner asked for identification, the teens became enraged and started throwing items around the store, police said. The rampage moved outside, with boxes and trash being tossed around.

Armed with a pistol, the store owner came out and "for some reason" fired one shot, hitting the boy in both hands, Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters at the scene.

The teens fled and someone took the wounded youth to the hospital in a car.

The owner was being questioned at Northeast Detectives.

There is no word yet on possible charges.