Drexel student arrested after allegedly shooting man in head in North Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have arrested 22-year-old Jackson Roberts in connection with a shooting earlier this week, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Drexel confirms to Action News that Roberts is a student at the university.

The shooting happened around 9 a.m. on Monday in the 900 block of West Dauphin Street in North Philadelphia.

A 22-year-old man was injured.

According to police, Roberts was hanging out with a group at a friend's house, which also included the victim. At some point, Roberts allegedly pulled out a gun from a fanny pack and shot the victim one time in the head.

Several people -- who were allegedly drinking alcohol, taking cocaine, nitrous oxide, and ketamine -- were in the home at the time but did not see the actual shooting, police said.

When police arrived, Roberts was found standing alone in the backyard of the house, and all the witnesses pointed to him as the shooter, according to police.

Two of those witnesses allegedly told police they saw Roberts holding the gun immediately after hearing the shot.

The victim's girlfriend also told police she was in the living room with the two at the time of the shooting but had turned to put a fork into the sink when she heard the shot go off. When she turned back around, she said Roberts was "smiling while holding the gun," and could see it was still smoking, according to police.

She said she allegedly saw Roberts lower a gun that "had a brown part" at the same time the victim started to fall backwards.

She told police she then ran to get help to try and stop the bleeding.

Officials say a .45 caliber handgun with a brown handle was recovered from the kitchen counter.

In a post-Miranda statement, police say Roberts claimed to not remember anything.

The DA's office says the victim, who has not been identified, has a fractured vertebra in his neck, with a projectile still lodged inside, and could have permanent mobility issues.

Officials say he was able to speak with detectives.

Roberts faces numerous charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault.

His bail has been set at $2 million.

"The University is taking measures consistent with its policies and is cooperating with law enforcement," Drexel Univserity said in a statement.