Philadelphia police release image of suspect wanted in mass shooting outside bar

6abc Digital Staff Image
Thursday, July 17, 2025 2:02AM
Security guard arrested following mass shooting at South Philly bar
Security guard arrested following mass shooting at South Philly bar

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have released an image of a suspect wanted in connection with a mass shooting earlier this month outside a South Philadelphia bar.

(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)

It happened just before 4 a.m. on July 5 at 7 Elements on 11th Street and Washington Avenue.

Police say there was an argument outside the club that escalated into a physical altercation involving knives.

IMAGE: Police are searching for this suspect, who is wanted in connection with a shooting at 7 Elements on 11th Street and Washington Avenue
IMAGE: Police are searching for this suspect, who is wanted in connection with a shooting at 7 Elements on 11th Street and Washington Avenue

At some point, a security guard, identified as 43-year-old Michael Welton, opened fire in an attempt to intervene, police said.

Welton was shot in the melee. Seven others were also injured in the shooting. All victims were reported to be in stable condition.

Welton was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

On Wednesday, police released a photo of a suspect allegedly involved in the incident.

MORE | 8 people wounded in mass shooting at a South Philadelphia bar

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.

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