West Philly police chase ends with fatal crash between suspects' vehicle and bystander

The intersection of 52nd and Locust streets in West Philadelphia.
Google/StreetView

Two brothers are facing homicide charges after a police chase in West Philadelphia resulted in the death of another driver struck by the fleeing suspects' vehicle on Wednesday night

Authorities responded to the sound of numerous gunshots around 7:15 p.m. near the 4800 block of Westminster Avenue. Police saw a male enter the passenger side of a dark gray Nissan Maxima and activated their cruiser's sirens and lights to pursue the vehicle. Initial attempts to stop the car were unsuccessful. 

The ensuing chase led police to the intersection of 52nd and Locust streets, where the driver of the Maxima slammed into a Kia Soul traveling eastbound on Locust Street. 

Immediately after the crash, the driver and passenger of the Maxima allegedly fled but were quickly apprehended by police. While at Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center, where the suspects were treated for neck and back pain, investigators discovered the passenger allegedly was in possession of crack cocaine. 

The driver of the Kia Soul, identified as 55-year-old Carol Isom, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, also was transported to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 8:10 p.m. 

A third person believed to be connected with the incident walked into Mercy Hospital around 7:30 p.m. to be treated for gunshot wounds to his left arm and wrist. Investigators believe the 27-year-old man had been shot by the two suspects at 4800 Westminster Avenue. Inside the suspects' vehicle, police allegedly located a black handgun.

The brothers, who were not immediately identified, will be charged with homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, a weapons charge and related offenses.