Police: Man shot, critically injured in Pottstown Family Dollar custody swap | Southeast Pennsylvania

POTTSTOWN, Pa. – A 21-year-old Philadelphia man was shot and seriously injured during a custody transfer in the parking lot of a Family Dollar store, according to police.

The shooting took place around 6:50 p.m. Friday in front of the Family Dollar on the 300 block of Farmington Avenue.

Police said the suspected gunman, 20-year-old Ali Ortiz of Upper Pottsgrove Township, met with his child’s mother for a custody swap over the weekend.

Ortiz went to the store to do some shopping. When he came out, he found his child’s mother in an argument with his ex-boyfriend, 21-year-old Philadelphia native Sabri Noel, according to investigators.

“Ortiz and Noel started fighting and eventually the argument became physical,” police said in a press release. “Ortiz drew a pistol and fired a single shot, hitting Noel in the groin.”

Noel underwent surgery for his injuries and was last in critical condition, police said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Ortiz on attempted murder and other charges.

Ortiz was taken into custody by Pottstown Police and Montgomery County – Western Region SWAT around 4 p.m. Saturday.

Authorities said Ortiz is being held at the Pottstown Police Department pending charges.

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