August 18, 2023
PHILADELPHIA, PA—Authorities said an Asian man died after a physical altercation during a carjacking in Northern Liberties. Officers later used a Toyota mobile app to track the stolen SUV to Camden, New Jersey.
The savage attack happened just before 10 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, at the intersection of 3rd and Cambridge Streets.
Witnesses attempted to render aid to the 60-year-old victim, identified by police as Peter Chan of Chinatown.
Authorities said Chan’s head was bleeding a little and he was semi-conscious. However, he was unable to get up. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital where he died less than an hour later.
2/2 LISTEN: The 60 year old Asian man described by detectives as “small,frail, thin, lightweight.” Tried to fight off two males with masks on,who drove up on dirt bike where man was in his suv waiting for his wife. They left him beaten&bleeding from front&back of head in street. pic.twitter.com/CpocBXYgeY
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 18, 2023
Witnesses told police Chan was sitting in a parked 2023 Toyota Highlander SUV when two males pulled up on a dirt bike with their faces covered.
One of the suspects pulled Chan out of the vehicle and a physical altercation ensued, reports FOX29.
One of the suspects drove away in Chan’s SUV, while the other took off on the dirt bike.
“We believe the 60-year-old male was here sitting in his Toyota Highlander waiting for this family member,” said Chief Inspector Scott Small.
BREAKING: 2023 Toyota Highlander taken in deadly Philadelphia carjacking, at 9:50PM off 3rd & Girard Ave, found in Camden’s Fairview Village section. It had tracking technology. @PhillyPolice @PPDAviation up searching found it. Chinatown man,60,owner killed 1/2 pic.twitter.com/HltWJB2W94
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 18, 2023
The Toyota mobile app was used to track Chan’s brand-new vehicle. It was later found abandoned in the back of a property in Camden, New Jersey.
“Camden police are going to hold that vehicle and guard that for prints and DNA, so hopefully we can get some fingerprints or DNA to help us identify the perpetrator,” Small said.
Chan’s wife is receiving support from her Chinatown neighbors. She did not want to show her face but wanted to share her account of the tragic incident. Community leader Dan Tsao translated the interview, according to FOX29.
“They live in Philadelphia for about 10 years and her husband is very hardworking and very honest. Many people in the community know about them,” Tsao explained.
Feature Screenshot via FOX29