Philadelphia looting: Group armed with hammers, axes steals $150k in medication in new videos
PHILADELPHIA - Police are still looking for looting suspects two weeks after countless unruly groups descended on Philadelphia stores, smashing their way in to ransack shelves and flee with stolen merchandise.
The two-day crime spree began in what police called a "coordinated attack" in Center City, then spilled over into several sections of the city.
A total of 67 adults and five juveniles have been charged so far, however, city officials vowed that more charges were imminent as surveillance footage began to emerge last week.
On Tuesday, Philadelphia police released even more videos in the hopes of identifying additional suspects.
Philadelphia looting: Officials say more charges imminent as videos depict nights of chaos
Nearly a week after a two-day crime spree destroyed several stores and terrorized residents, the city's law enforcement says the investigation is far from over.
One video shows several suspects armed with hammers and axes break into a drug store in North Philadelphia, clearing shelves of medication. Police say the estimated damage and theft totaled at least $150,000.
Two other videos depict the looting of a Rite Aid in North Philadelphia, and convenience store in Southwest Philadelphia. Groups of men and woman are seen flooding in after smashing through the front door.
Thousands in merchandise was stolen over the course of several hours, according to police.
One of the businesses hit by looters was Sunray Pharmacy in West Philadelphia. Neighbors say the shop reopened the very next day to show their commitment to the community.
"I have a lot of respect for the businesses that have been getting hit multiple times and still making a conscious effort to come out every day and serve this community, but it's a shame this keeps happening to them," Jabari Jones with the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.