Violence erupted in Northeast Philadelphia during a smoke shop robbery that left one employee with a gunshot wound to the leg yesterday evening. 6abc reports that the incident occurred around 9 p.m., at a store located on the 2000 block of Cottman Avenue, when a gunman entered the establishment and demanded money. The worker initially complied with the demands before ultimately attempting to disarm the assailant, a decision that resulted in gunfire.
According to FOX29, the suspect fired several shots during the altercation, hitting the 31-year-old employee once in the leg as he tried to take control of the gunman’s weapon. Authorities state that the suspect was successful in making off with an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a black Jeep.
Dressed in all black, the suspect stood out due to his brightly colored latex gloves, noted by police in their descriptions of the assailant. NBC Philadelphia provides additional details about the gunman, describing him as around five-foot, six-inches tall, heavyset, mid-40s with a dark complexion. He wore an "Eagles" jacket, a gray/white hooded sweatshirt, black pants, a blue mask, and orange gloves.
The employee, in the aftermath of the violent encounter, was hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition. As the police urge the public to come forward with knowledge standing about five-foot, six-inches tall, heavy set and in his mid-40s, with a dark complexion, they believe may lead to the arrest of the suspect. Law enforcement officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's tipline at 215-686-TIPS, where tipsters can stay anonymous.
