On April 11, 2019, Michael Gleba, a 56-year-old mechanic of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot outside his auto repair shop, Northeast Speedometer Services, located on the 4800 block of Benner Street in Philadelphia's Wissinoming neighborhood. Gleba was working on a vehicle when he was struck by a stray bullet fired during a shootout between two groups involved in a drug dispute. Despite being rushed to Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
The shooting was part of a series of violent events that occurred within a two-hour span on that day. Approximately an hour after Gleba's death, another fatal shooting took place less than a mile away on the 5500 block of Torresdale Avenue, where 23-year-old Izeem Hunter was killed inside a mini-market. Investigators believe that the two shootings were connected, with the suspects in the Torresdale Avenue shooting seeking revenge for the earlier incident involving Gleba.
In the aftermath of the shootings, law enforcement authorities arrested two individuals in connection with Gleba's death. Eric Smith, 25, and Shabazz Sweets, 19, both from Philadelphia, were charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses. They were apprehended following a police chase near Cottage and Bridge Streets, where their vehicle crashed after a brief pursuit. The arrests were made on April 12, 2019, and both suspects were held without bail.
The community mourned the loss of Michael Gleba, who was remembered as a kind-hearted individual known for his generosity and willingness to help others. Residents described him as a father who loved fishing and giving back to the neighborhood. He would fix kids' bicycles, provide food to neighbors in need, and assist customers who couldn't afford car repairs.
