[Zigzag press release announces move to Philly.]
Police said the shootings occurred about 8:30 p.m. at 5131 S. 11th St. in a structure known as Building 79, a former Navy procurement office that, like many of the warehouse-type buildings at the former Navy base and shipyard, is now home to private businesses.
At the scene last night, Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross said the gunman opened fire during a regularly scheduled meeting on the second floor. Police believe the gunman was a participant in the meeting, Ross said.
Police did not disclose the relationship between the shooter and the victims, but said the shootings happened after a dispute broke out during the meeting. Police did not disclose the relationship between the shooter and the victims, but said the shootings happened after a dispute broke out during the meeting.
“It appeared that the shooter was upset over something that was going on inside the business,” Ross said.
The cause “appeared to be something concerning money,” Ross said.
A police source said there were six people in attendance, including the shooter. The gunman reportedly confronted the other board members with an allegation of fraud and then shot three of them dead, and a fourth possibly by accident.
One of the victims was shot seven times.
Building 79’s primary occupant is Zigzag Net Inc., a Web site development company involved in advertising. It was unclear last night what the relationship was between Zigzag and Watson International, but officials indicated that they might have been business partners.
John Grady, senior of vice president of Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp., which is in charge of leasing space at the Navy Yard, said Building 79 is a 10,000-square-foot, two-story building on the waterfront. About a year ago, Zigzag leased 5,000 square feet on the second floor.
The shootings occurred inside Zigzag’s space.
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ZIGZAG.NET: “We pride ourselves on our ability to uncover the true needs of our clients, and utilize innovative tactics that both engage and activate audiences effectively.”