Armed robbery spree in Philadelphia prompts police investigation

PHILADELPHIA - A string of armed robberies and attempted robberies early Friday morning has the Philadelphia Police Department on high alert. 

Police investigate multiple incidents 

What we know:

Police say five incidents occurred, involving a suspect or suspects with a black, AR-15-style rifle. 

The suspect(s) used a gray or silver SUV or pickup truck. 

Police are working to determine if the incidents are connected. 

Timeline:

The first incident took place at 12:14 a.m. on the 2500 block of Clearfield Street. 

A woman was blocked by a silver pickup truck, but managed to escape unharmed. 

The second incident happened at 2:47 a.m. on the 800 block of E. Thompson Street, where a woman was threatened but also escaped without loss. 

In the third incident at 5:44 a.m. on the 2500 block of Emery Street, a man was robbed of electronics and cash. 

The fourth incident at 6:00 a.m. on the 4700 block of Rising Sun Avenue involved a woman being robbed at an ATM. 

The final incident at 6:17 a.m. on the 1000 block of E. Palmer Street saw a man resist an attempted robbery, with the suspect fleeing the scene.

What they're saying:

This is alarming," said Capt. Steven Miller of Philadelphia police. "We treat this like we treat every crime — we’re going to investigate it right now. Detectives are reviewing video and interviewing complainants."

Residents in the area expressed concern. "It’s definitely alarming," said Jim Thomas, who heard about the incident while getting a haircut inside a nearby shop. "It’s a very residential area. You don’t expect things like that to happen around here. It’s nerve-racking."

Police said the victims have been shaken but cooperative as detectives continue to collect evidence. 

"They’ve been vigilant," Miller said. "We’ve been able to get the best descriptions we can. A lot of this is going to take time."

What you can do:

Police urge anyone with information to contact the East Detective Division at 215-686-3243. 

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).