Police: Suspect Wanted In String Of Southwest Philadelphia Armed Robberies
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a masked suspect wanted in connection with multiple robberies in Southwest Philadelphia..
Police say the suspect hit five stores in the Cobbs Creek, Kingsessing and Haddington sections in two days.
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"He has what we believe is a t-shirt wrapped around his head," says Lt. John Walker. "We can't see him...he walks into their business, he pulls out a handgun and he demands money."
The first incident was reported at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Natural Coffee at the 700 block of South 52nd Street. According to police, an employee was behind the counter when the suspect wearing a blue mask entered the store pointing a handgun at her stating, "Give up the money." The employee gave the suspect an undetermined amount of cash the suspect fled west on Webster from 52nd Street.
On Thursday at 12:56 p.m., the suspect entered a Cricket Mobile Store located at the 5500 block of Baltimore Avenue and allegedly jumped over the counter pointing a handgun at an employee. Police say the employee then ran into a back room and secured himself behind a locked door while the suspect opened the cash register and took an undetermined amount of cash from the register.
At 1:58 p.m., police say an the suspect entered the Lucky 7 Food Market located at the unit block of North 57th Street wearing a mask and pointing a handgun at an employee demanding money. During the robbery, police say the employee began to struggle with the suspect, however, the suspect was able to escape and fled south on 57th Street.
Later that evening at 7:20 p.m., police say an employee was locking the door to Ace Cash Express located at the 700 block of South 52nd Street when the suspect approached her pointing a handgun demanding to be let into the store. After the employee pressed the panic alarm and after numerous attempts to gain access to the cash register area, police say the suspect took $3 from the complainant and fled on foot south on 52nd Street.
At 8:09 p.m., police say the suspect then entered Daslin Grocery located at the 700 block of South 55th Street wearing a white mask pointing at the employees demanding money. After the employees stated they didn't speak English, police say the suspect fled the store without obtaining any money.
"He seems to be very desperate and in need of money," Lt. Walker adds.
The suspect is described as a black male, 20-years-of-age, 5'6", dark complexion, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with white strings, gloves and jeans.
To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847. Anyone with information is also asked to contact Southwest Detectives Division at 215-686-3183/3184.
