PHILADELPHIA — Authorities are searching for a man suspected of committing a series of armed robberies at commercial establishments in the 18th and 19th Police Districts over three consecutive days last week. The Philadelphia Police Department’s Southwest Detective Division is investigating the pattern, which involved three separate incidents.
The first robbery occurred on October 7 at Haverford Mini Market, located at 5450 Haverford Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the suspect pacing outside before entering the store around 1:25 p.m. Once inside, he pointed a handgun at a female cashier and demanded money. The employee handed over $300 from the register, and the suspect fled northbound on 55th Street toward Westminster. No injuries were reported.
A second robbery was reported the following day at 4823 Chester Avenue. Around 12:54 p.m., the suspect approached the store’s cashier, brandished a firearm, and demanded cash. The employee handed over an undisclosed amount of money before the suspect fled the scene.
On October 9, police responded to a third robbery at the Vine Deli and Grocery at 262 N. Simpson Street at approximately 10:52 a.m. The suspect initially purchased cigars before producing a handgun and demanding money from the cashier. During a struggle, the cashier and another employee managed to disarm the suspect, who then fled the scene. The recovered weapon was identified as a black Pietro Beretta BB gun modified with an extended magazine wrapped in electrical tape.
The suspect is described as a Black male, 6’3″, slender build, approximately 60-65 years old, with gray hair and a gray beard. He was armed during each incident and is considered dangerous.
Authorities urge anyone who sees the suspect to avoid approaching and contact 911 immediately.
Police warn the public that the suspect remains at large and poses a serious threat.
