Deadly Shooting Outside Popular Penn’s Landing Nightclub

A shooting near a Penn's Landing bar left a 24-year-old man dead of multiple gunshot wounds.

Philadelphia Police initially responded to the area of Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street for the report of a fight outside Cavanaugh's River Deck. As officers arrived, they heard gunshots around 11:45 p.m. Sunday, said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

"We know at least nine shot were fired... some just inches from where he victim collapsed," said Small.

Police said the victim was shot in the head and back and died at a hospital. The man appeared to be getting into the rear door of sport utility vehicle at the time, said investigators.

It wasn't clear where the shooting stemmed from. After the shooting, three men ran into the parking lot of Cavanaugh's, said investigators. The nightclub had earlier hosted a "Day Break" party sponsored by radio station Power 99 and McDonald's.

A witness pointed officers toward three men saying "The just shot my boy," said police.

Officers were able to take the three suspects into custody after they were seen running from the scene. One of the suspects threw a gun into the Delaware River, said police. Marine officers searched the water for it.

Several bars in the area -- popular for its waterfront nightclubs -- were open at the time, said Small.