Victim ID'd in University City Market Shooting, Suspect Sought

Police search for gunman who opened fire inside a Philadelphia grocery store, killing a 26-year-old man.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing lying on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a violent crime scene.The grim aftermath of a fatal shooting at a University City market exposes the ongoing gun violence plaguing Philadelphia neighborhoods.Philadelphia Today

Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help in finding a gunman who opened fire at a grocery store in the University City neighborhood, killing 26-year-old Savion Pollard-Poulson. The victim was inside the store speaking with another individual when the suspect entered with a gun drawn, and an exchange occurred before the suspect fired two shots, fatally striking Pollard-Poulson.

Why it matters

This is the second fatal shooting at this same University City market location in recent years, raising concerns about public safety and security measures at small neighborhood businesses in Philadelphia.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred inside the small grocery store on the 4000 block of Market Street before 5 p.m. on Monday. Pollard-Poulson was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead a short time later. Investigators said the suspect, who was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket and blue jeans, fled the scene after the shooting.

  • The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Savion Pollard-Poulson

A 26-year-old man who was fatally shot inside a University City grocery store.

Philadelphia Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting and searching for the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“Everything that transpired took place inside the store. There was approximately three other people inside that small store.”

— Capt. Timothy Stephan, Philadelphia Police Department

“Inside that vestibule area, the victim, a 26-year-old black male, was approached by the shooter, who entered the store, gun drawn. Words were said between the shooter and the victim.”

— Capt. Timothy Stephan, Philadelphia Police Department

What’s next

Police are asking anyone with information on the suspect to call or text the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a local University City market highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety concerns in Philadelphia neighborhoods, underscoring the need for increased security measures and community-based solutions to prevent such incidents.