Police Search for Suspects in Multiple Taxi Cab Robberies

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Philadelphia police are hoping you'll recognize the three people caught on surveillance video. They say the trio tried to pull off three taxi cab robberies all in a matter of days. Police say the suspected criminals they're looking for are only teenagers.

Cab driver Shir Popal has been driving a taxi for three years. He's never been robbed until last week when he says three teenage suspects pulled a gun on him and stole everything he had.

"They grabbed my wallet, took all my money and just ran," he told FOX 29.

The 50-year-old father of five works 50 to 60 hours a week behind the wheel of a Philly cab. He says one suspect tapped him on the side of the head with the barrel of a gun.

"He just like said don't say anything or I will shoot you, so give me the money," Popal explained.

According to investigators, the three suspects were caught on surveillance video in Center City in the middle of a serious crime spree. One of them may be very young.

"There is one kid. In two of the instances, he could be 14 years old," said Northeast Detectives Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum.

In the past week, police say the teenage suspects have robbed or attempted to rob three cab drivers, all at gun point, in one instance they fired a shot at a cab driver

In two of the three robberies, the suspects hailed cabs in center city, including here at 12th and race. Each time they asked to be dropped off at 1500 deal street, where the robberies occurred.

"We think they're down from that area. They're familiar with that area and they can disappear easily into that area," said Lt. Rosenbaum.

If you have any information about this crime or these suspects, please contact: Northeast Detective Division 215-686-3153/3154