The Philadelphia Police Department has intensified their manhunt for a suspect believed to be responsible for a spate of armed robberies at various commercial businesses across Philadelphia. The series of incidents, beginning September 21 and stretching to October 24, have all followed a similar modus operandi. The unidentified male suspect, described as being between 35 and 45 years old with a medium to heavy build, has targeted locations primarily in the lower Northeast and East division areas, such as Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Acme, and Boston Market stores, mainly proximate to Roosevelt Boulevard.
According to NBC Philadelphia, during the incidents, the suspect has typically approached a register, simulated a purchase, and then would to seemingly demand cash once the register was opened. As reported by FOX 29, Captain John Craig of the Northwest Detective Division stated, "He approached a cashier in various businesses, produced a handgun and demanded money." In six of the eight logged incidents, the robber was able to abscond with undisclosed amounts of cash.
Residents have expressed their concern over the robberies. "If he's bold enough to walk in the store and rob cashiers, he'll walk up to somebody, like we're going to our car to put our groceries away, he could come up behind us and we could be next," shared concerned citizen Keith Murray in an interview with FOX 29. Another citizen, Sharon Kloss, lamented the wider impact of such thefts on consumers to NBC Philadelphia: "Every time somebody steals something I got to pay a higher price because they have to make up the marketing through the customer. It’s very sad."
The Philadelphia Police Department has been actively visiting stores to perform security checks, and are warning all to remain vigilant. "Cooperate with that individual. Your life is not worth any property," Captain John Craig told 6ABC. The police urge anyone with information to make an immediate report to Northeast Detectives at 215-686-3153 or PPD Tip Line at 215-686-TIPS (8477), with the option to remain anonymous.
