PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 48-year-old Philadelphia man admitted this week to carrying out three armed robberies at city businesses in as many days, federal prosecutors said Friday.
Tyree Hatch, who also used the aliases Jamal Morris and Omar Reed, pleaded guilty to three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. The charges stem from a series of robberies in Northeast Philadelphia in November 2024.
On November 23, Hatch entered a convenience store on the 6700 block of Castor Avenue, placed a firearm into the back of an employee, and forced the victim to the cash register. He took cash, the employee’s iPhone, and several boxes of Newport cigarettes before fleeing. Surveillance footage captured him driving a black Ford Explorer with Pennsylvania tags.
The following evening, November 24, Hatch entered a smoke shop on the 2000 block of Cottman Avenue, displayed a firearm, and demanded money. When the employee attempted to disarm him, the firearm discharged, striking the victim in the shin. Hatch fled with money from the register. Video again showed the black Ford Explorer used in the escape.
On November 25, officers responded to another robbery, this time at a smoke and vape shop on the 7100 block of Castor Avenue. The suspect, later identified as Hatch, had taken cash, an iPhone, a carton of Newport cigarettes, and several boxes of cigars.
Philadelphia police located the black SUV parked outside Hatch’s residence later that day. After he was seen entering the home, a barricade was declared. Hatch later exited and was taken into custody without further incident.
Hatch is scheduled for sentencing on November 3. He faces a mandatory minimum of 24 years in prison and a maximum possible sentence of life.
