Sanitation Worker Shot To Death In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia sanitation employee died after being shot while on the job Friday morning.

The shooting occurred at about 10:30 a.m. in the 3300 block of Rowland Street near Tudor Street, Action News reports.

Officials identified the victim as Ikeem Johnson.

Johnson worked as a sanitation worker for five years, Fox 29 reports.

He was 35, according to Action News.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said a man got the sanitation truck Johnson was working on to stop.

The shooter came up to the truck's passenger side where Johnson was, and Johnson got out.

Outlaw said that's when the gunman shot Johnson several times.

Police believe Johnson was targeted, NBC10 reports.

"I extend my deepest sympathies to those who knew and loved Ikeem Johnson," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "Today, we lost a dedicated City employee, a sanitation worker for the Streets Department who was simply doing his job and serving our city. A family is now devastated, colleagues are left to mourn this terrible loss, and our community once again must cope with this senseless tragedy. To all of our City colleagues hurting today, we share your pain. Please know that support is available for you."

Managing Director Tumar Alexander urged anyone with information to come forward, and noted the standing cash reward of up to $20,000 for essential information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or people for a homicide in the city.

Anyone with information about this horrific crime should report it anonymously to 215-686-8477.