Reputed leader of gang arrested
Tyrik Upchurch, 20, faces charges in connection with shootings in the Grays Ferry area last year.
A reputed Philadelphia gang leader believed responsible for two shootings last year has been arrested by the Police Department's Major Crimes Unit.
Tyrik Upchurch, 20, was picked up without incident by police near 26th and Manton Streets and charged with numerous counts of attempted murder, assault, retaliation against a witness, terroristic threats and related offenses. Bail was set at $2.2 million.
Police called Upchurch the "known leader" of the 27th and Dickinson Street gang in the Grays Ferry area and said they believed he was responsible for two shootings last year.
On March 25, a gunman fired from a truck at several men on the 1400 block of South Etting Street. Two sisters, ages 9 and 12, were getting out of a car when they were hit and suffered arm wounds.
"They were innocent victims caught in the cross fire," said Officer Christine O'Brien, a police spokesman.
On Oct. 14, a 27-year-old man was shot five times in his abdomen and back while sitting in the passenger seat of a car in the 2800 block of Wharton Street. He survived.
Police said they did not know the motive in either shooting.
Upchurch's younger brother was shot and killed on July 1, 2004. Malik Upchurch, 15, was riding his bicycle at 28th and Wharton Streets at 3:30 p.m. when three men accosted him from behind. He was shot once in the chest and died later that day.
News reports said he had often been picked on at James Alcorn Middle School because he tried to avoid problems.
At the time, police called the shooting retaliation by a group from the 31st Street area for an earlier incident in the neighborhood. They said they believed there was an turf war.
Aleem Williams and Jermaine King were convicted of murder in 2005 and sentenced to life in prison.