Driver shot in failed West Philly carjacking

A 30-year-old motorist was shot early yesterday in West Philadelphia after armed thugs unsuccessfully tried to carjack him and fired at him when he sped away to escape, police said.

The victim, whom police did not identify, was admitted in critical condition to the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania after the 1:25 a.m. ambush at 57th and Addison streets.

He was sitting at the intersection in his 2005 Range Rover, talking with a female pedestrian, when the masked gunmen approached his vehicle and tried to oust him from the driver's seat, police said.

When the motorist instead fled, the punks fired at him, hitting him in the head and back, police said.

The victim drove to the headquarters of the 18th District Police and Southwest Detectives, at nearby 55th and Pine streets. Police took him to the hospital.

Tipsters can call Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183.

- Dana DiFilippo