Philadelphia police say a teenage suspect is on the run after two violent Center City robberies that unfolded within about half an hour on April 9, turning an ordinary Tuesday evening into a brief stretch of chaos along Chestnut and Walnut streets.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the first incident happened around 6:35 p.m. inside the 7‑Eleven at 1201 Chestnut Street. Police say a store employee tried to stop a shoplifter and was punched multiple times with a closed fist before the suspect took off.
Roughly 30 minutes later, around 7 p.m., a 34‑year‑old man on the 1600 block of Walnut Street chased someone who had just grabbed his phone, police told reporters. The confrontation spilled to the ground, and officers say the suspect hit the victim several times in the head, causing him to slam onto the pavement, then ran off. A passerby later returned the stolen phone to the victim.
Investigators believe the same boy, described as a teen in a light‑blue sweatshirt and black pants, is responsible for both attacks. Detectives have released still images of the suspect as they work to identify him and track down new leads.
Police share images and description
Detectives have circulated surveillance stills from both locations in hopes that someone recognizes the teen. As NBC10 Philadelphia reported, police describe him as a teenage boy wearing a light‑blue sweatshirt and dark or black pants at the time of the incidents.
How to help
Officials are asking the public to take a close look at the photos and contact detectives with any information, including cellphone video from the area near Chestnut and Walnut streets. They emphasize that residents should not approach the suspect.
For emergencies, call 911. To share tips, call or text 215‑686‑TIPS (8477) or submit information through the department's online form at the Philadelphia Police Department.
