Philadelphia police announced Thursday that they are questioning two persons of interest in connection with a string of armed robberies that have shaken neighborhoods across the city since early October. So far, no arrests have been made.
Details of the robberies
According to the police department, eight robberies have been reported between Oct. 2 and Oct. 6. The incidents involved suspects using handguns equipped with laser sights, and in some cases as many as five individuals were involved in a single robbery.
Surveillance video from the Oct. 4 robbery on the 1900 block of North 16th Street, near Temple University, captured a blue laser beam as the suspects forced two women to hand over their belongings. Captain Jason Smith described the suspects’ behavior at a news conference, saying, “They make a beeline. They run at them like maniacs. Produced their handguns, pointing at their faces.” He warned that the pattern of violence could worsen, adding, “The way these suspects are acting, it’s only a matter of time before something really bad happens.”
Locations and times
The robberies occurred at the following locations and times:
- Sun, Oct. 4 – 400 Spring Garden St. at 4:18 a.m.
- Sun, Oct. 4 – 1900 Arch St. at 5:30 a.m.
- Sun, Oct. 4 – 2222 Green St. at 5:35 a.m.
- Sun, Oct. 4 – 1300 N Broad St. at 5:56 a.m.
- Sun, Oct. 4 – 1900 N 16th St. at 6:03 a.m.
- Tue, Oct. 6 – 700 N 27th St. at 5:40 a.m.
- Tue, Oct. 6 – 1900 W Norris St. at 6:23 a.m.
Other reported incidents include a man who was thrown to the ground outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City on Oct. 4, and a couple whose bags and wallets were taken on the 400 block of Spring Garden Street.
Police response and community reaction
Authorities have recovered a stolen vehicle linked to the robberies and are still processing it. Investigators are also searching for a red Honda believed to be connected to the incidents.
Residents expressed alarm at the brazen nature of the crimes. “How scary it is and how quick someone can just come through and grab somebody’s stuff like that is really scary,” said Taya Yarco of West Philadelphia. She added, “I’m hoping they get caught, absolutely.”
Police are urging anyone with information to call or text the Philadelphia Police tip line at 215‑686‑8477 or submit an anonymous tip online. The investigation remains ongoing.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
