UPDATE JULY 9, 2025: A man wanted in connection with the shooting of a Philadelphia school safety officer in late June has been apprehended after admitting himself to a mental health facility in New Jersey, authorities announced on Monday.
Ariza Giansteban, 29, had eluded capture for days following the shooting of a 68-year-old school safety officer in the Penn’s Landing area. The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. on June 29, and police had been actively searching for Giansteban since then.
ORIGINAL JUNE 30, 2025 ARTICLE:
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — A 68-year-old Philadelphia school safety officer is in critical but stable condition following a shooting early Sunday morning near Penn’s Landing. Authorities say the incident may be linked to a road rage altercation that began on I-95.
The Philadelphia Police Department responded to reports just before 2 a.m. and found the victim inside his patrol vehicle, which had crashed into a tree on Columbus Boulevard. The victim, employed by the School District of Philadelphia, had been shot multiple times, including in the face, arm, and body said Inspector DF Pace of the Philadelphia Police Department.
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The school safety officer was transported to Jefferson University Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. No arrests have been made so far.
Authorities believe the shooting may be linked to an earlier road rage incident on I-95 involving a black Dodge pick-up truck and a white Hyundai, reports NBC Philadelphia. The driver of the Dodge claimed that the Hyundai’s driver pointed a firearm at him. After exiting the highway and stopping, the driver flagged down the school safety officer to report the altercation.
School Safety Officer Attempted to Investigate, Intervene
While attempting to investigate or intervene, the officer was shot by the driver of the Hyundai. Police are working under the assumption that the shooting suspect was the same individual involved in the initial road rage confrontation, reports 6ABC.
The School District of Philadelphia confirmed that the victim – whose identify was not released to the public – had been on duty at Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts at the time of the incident. The school is currently serving as a shelter for residents displaced by a recent apartment fire.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are working to identify and locate the suspect responsible for the shooting. No new developments regarding arrests or leads were reported as of Sunday evening.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
