The incident unfolded just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, when Marshall Thomas, 19, approached his girlfriend at a Temple security booth at 19th and Norris streets, on the northwest edge of campus, said Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman.

The couple argued until Thomas allegedly brandished a gun and began shooting at his girlfriend, Vanore said. That woman wasn't injured, but her 19-year-old friend, with whom she had been chatting before Thomas' arrival, was hit in the chest, leg and hand, Vanore said.

Responding police officers took her to Temple University Hospital, where she remained in critical condition yesterday.

Thomas allegedly fled on a bicycle, an escape caught on Temple security cameras, Vanore said. None of those involved are Temple students, said Temple spokesman Ray Betzner.

Thomas, of Brown Street near Percy, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, gun offenses and related crimes.

He should be considered armed and dangerous. Tipsters can call police at 9-1-1, Central Detectives at 215-686-3093/4 or the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS.

Betzner said that the incident shouldn't heighten fears about safety among anyone who traverses Temple's campus.

"We have one of the largest police departments in the state of Pennsylvania," Betzner said, adding that Temple employs 124 campus police officers and has another 230 full-time subcontracted security officers.

Temple also has 285 campus security cameras and emergency communications linked with the city's police communications system, Betzner added.

"It became immediately apparent that this was not a random act," Betzner said. "We do have a very strong security force here. If parents have concerns, they should call us." *