Police searching for suspects in rash of gunpoint robberies throughout Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA - Chilling surveillance video shared by police on Wednesday shows a rash of recent gunpoint robberies in Philadelphia carried out by at least two masked suspects armed with handguns equipped with laser attachments.
What we know:
Investigators believe the suspects pulled off five robberies on Sunday night between 4–6 p.m. in Northern Liberties, Center City, Spring Garden, North Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia.
Both suspects, police say, were armed with handguns, including one weapon that was equipped with a flashlight/laser attachment. In each of the robberies, police say the suspects stole phones, wallets, bags, and other items.
No injuries were reported, according to police. The suspects were allegedly driving a stolen black Honda Accord that was later recovered by police on Sergeant Street in North Philadelphia.
Two days later, police believe the same masked suspects were involved in a second wave of robberies in Fairmount and near Temple University's campus. In at least two of the robberies, police say the suspect demanded the victim's belongings at gunpoint with firearms equipped with lasers.
This time, police believe the suspects were driving a stolen red 2018-2021 Honda Accord with heavy tint, a sunroof, and chrome door handles.
What they're saying:
Captain Jason Smith called the robberies "crimes of opportunity" during a Wednesday afternoon press conference, adding that the suspects appear to have targeted people who are walking alone at night carrying a bag.
"They make a beeline, they run at them like maniacs, produce their handguns, point at their faces," said Smith. "Let's get these maniacs into custody before someone gets seriously injured."
"It’s just a crazy thing to hear. We had no idea, this is a very safe neighborhood," said Anastasia Barbalios, a resident. "On a Sunday we’re up that early, like I said, we have a son, we’re up early every single day."
What's next:
Investigators say the suspects wore distinctive black and red gloves during the crimes, and they are asking for help from the public to identify those responsible. Police have recovered the black Honda Accord used in Sunday’s robberies.
"You have five offenders, armed with five handguns, all pointed at this complainant, so as you can see this is just becoming more and more serious, I mean any gunpoint robbery is a serious occurrence but the way these suspects are acting, it’s only a matter of time before something really bad happens," said Smith.
What you can do:
Police believe the suspects are Black males between 16–20 years old, each wearing dark-colored clothes and ski masks. Police said that some of the suspects wore red gloves with black palms.
Anyone with information should contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
What we don't know:
Police have not released the identities of any suspects, and it is unclear if anyone has been arrested in connection with the robberies. Investigators have not provided details about possible links between the suspects or whether the five suspects reported Tuesday are connected to the original pair.
The Source: Information provided by the Philadelphia Police Department.