N. Philly man arrested in shooting spree

A Swampoodle man was arrested yesterday after he allegedly fired a barrage of bullets in the street outside his home, police said.

Eric Barnes, 39, has been charged with reckless endangerment and firearms violations after he allegedly unloaded nearly 30 rounds from a "military style assault rifle" yesterday afternoon, police said.

Just after 1:30 p.m., a lone officer on patrol near 20th and Somerset streets heard about 15 shots being fired. As he traveled closer to the source of the gunfire, he saw that a large crowd had gathered, blocking traffic.

The officer exited his vehicle and closed the distance on foot, hearing 15 more shots as he walked, police said.

Finally, the officer spotted Barnes holding his rifle and approached him with his gun drawn, ordering him to drop the weapon, police said. Barnes looked at the officer and, after a second command, laid his rifle down.

Investigators recovered the weapon at the scene. No one was injured by the gunfire, and it's unclear what made Barnes pull the trigger in the first place, police said.

Barnes remains in custody in lieu of 10 percent of $100,000 bail, according to court records.