Philadelphia police are currently searching for a suspect linked to a series of armed commercial robberies that have taken place across the 18th and 19th Districts in the Southwest Police Division. The latest in a string of incidents targeted local businesses over the course of three consecutive days, with the first occurring on October 7, at the Haverford Mini Market. According to a PPD blotter, an unidentified man robbed the store at gunpoint and fled with $300 in cash. The suspect was described as a black male, standing 6'3" with a slender build and aged between 60 and 65, sporting gray hair and a beard. He was last seen armed with a black handgun.
The next day, a robbery unfolded at a location on Chester Avenue, where the assailant, whose description closely mirrors the previous incident's suspect, drew a firearm and to immediately demand money from the store clerk. The victim complied, and the suspect swiftly exited the establishment. In a third event documented on October 9, the same suspect allegedly attempted another robbery at the Vine Deli and Grocery store on N. Simpson St. In a dramatic confrontation, the cashier and another employee successfully disarmed the perpetrator, who then fled the scene, as detailed by the PPD blotter.
The recovered weapon was a black Pietro Berretta BB gun with seven BBs in an extended magazine, wrapped in black electrical tape. No injuries were reported in any of the robberies. Authorities have underscored the importance of not approaching the suspect and to instead contact 911 if sighted. Tips can be shared anonymously through various channels provided by the Southwest Detective Division, including a telephone tip line and an electronic form available on their official website. All tips will be kept confidential.
Community members are urged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any sightings or information related to the suspect. The Philadelphia Police Department's Southwest Detective Division can be reached directly at 215-686-3183/3184 for any inquiries or to offer leads on the case.
