Chaos happened in North Philadelphia late Saturday night when three men clad in bulletproof vests and masks were seen fleeing the S&Z Gift Store, leading to two injuries and a temporary barricade situation. According to FOX29, the incident began around 11:30 p.m. on the 2900 block of North 5th Street after three suspects conducted an armed robbery.
Authorities said that police pursued one suspect on foot, while the two others slipped back into the establishment, fleeing from which a SWAT intervention was later required to clear the property. Despite the suspects' vehicle being towed and a firearm retrieved, the suspects remain at large, as NBC Philadelphia reported.
In the ensuing incident, a store owner, 47, and a 37-year-old woman were injured. Both victims were sent to a local hospital, where they received treatment for injuries sustained and were listed in stable condition, FOX29 states. The nature of the woman's injuries has not been detailed by officials.
"Everybody was very united and everybody got along. There was not that much robbing and stealing. Hopefully, things will change after this for the better," Monique Varona, a local business owner whose family has witnessed the community's changes over nearly five decades, mentioned in a statement in an interview with 6ABC. Inside the suspects' car, police discovered zip ties and other items that they believe were to be used to commit the crime.
The Philadelphia Police Department has called on the public to aid their investigation with any relevant information. Those with knowledge about the suspects are encouraged to contact authorities by calling 215-686-TIPS, as stated by 6ABC.
