Police: Man dies after being knocked out during robbery in West Philadelphia

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Police say a man was punched during a robbery in West Philadelphia and died from his injuries.

READ MORE: Violent night leaves 1 dead, several injured across Philadelphia

It happened just after midnight at Lancaster and Wyalusing that's when witnesses tell police a man in his 60s was set upon by a robbery suspect.

"He was struck by another man and then the man was seen going through his pockets," Homicide Unit Captain John Ryan said.

Detectives say a single punch knocked the man out and he died moments later. Police say a witness came forward to give detectives vital information.

"The witness thankfully returned to the scene and came forward and gave us a statement which was outstanding--a good citizen there," Captain Ryan said.

"He punched me in my face and said you look like the guy who stole $50 from me." 52-year-old James Whitfield told FOX 29 he was walking home from work Wednesday night whe he was approached and robbed of his wallet on the same block. It was just moments before the fatal punch robbery at 12:30 a.m.

"He grabbed me by my neck. You can still see the scratches and stuff on my arm and everything," he explained.

Neighbors a few feet from the crime scene were shocked by the murder. Many wondering why people can't even walk down the street without fearing for their lives.

Captain Ryan says police are also trying to determine if the homicide could be connected to another recent robbery nearby where a 56-year-old man was punched at 49th and Thompson.

"There are some similar. At least one other similar robbery or case nearby from previous days that fit this pattern," Captain Ryan said.