Police Investigating Rash Of Violent Attacks In South Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There has been a recent rash of violent attacks by dangerous criminals in South Philadelphia and some of the attacks were caught on tape. One victim recounts the frightening ordeal in which a gun was put to his head as he made his way to the gym.
The victim said to say he was unprepared might just be an understatement. He said it happened in broad daylight on a Sunday morning. He said there were even other people walking out of the subway station at the time.
The only reason he can think of as to why he was targeted; he was on his cell phone.
"If anybody has any ability to identify these guys, please come forward."
A plea from a man who fell victim to three males, believed to be the ones captured in the surveillance video. The video shows the three just minutes before the attack at the entrance of the subway station at Broad and Federal streets.
"He grabbed me from behind, put me in a chokehold. The second criminal put a gun to my head and cocked it," said the victim who asked to not be identified for his personal safety. "It was danger, get out, run."
With those thoughts racing through his head, the victim managed to free himself and hold on to his bag. He said he ran down into the subway and got a hold of a SEPTA worker to report the crime.
"I'm extremely lucky."
Police say it happened on September 18th and investigators are wondering if this was not the first time these same three males preyed on unsuspecting victims. Police say since August 23rd, there were 13 robberies in the areas of Lombard Street to Federal Street, as well as 7th Street to 22nd Street.
"It's crucial that these guys get off the street and that whatever can be done is done," the unidentified victim said.
At this time, police want to stress the three caught on tape are being called persons of interest wanted for questioning. They are described as black males, all around 5' 6, and about 15 to maybe 18-years-old.
Anyone with information is asked to come forward.
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
