Duo accused of committing 3 gunpoint muggings in one night in Philadelphia
3 armed robberies in 3 hours: Pair of robbers in South Philly sought by police
Police are searching for two men accused of committing three armed robberies in three hours in South Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA - Police in Philadelphia are searching for two men accused of committing three gunpoint robberies in one night.
Investigators shared video surveillance footage of the men and asked the public to help identify them.
What we know:
Police say the spate of robberies began on the night of July 30th, when the suspects targeted a 68-year-old man walking on the 1500 block of North Catherine Street around 10 p.m.
Philadelphia police are searching for these two men who are accused of committing three armed robberies in three hours in South Philly.
The suspects, one of whom police say was armed with a handgun, approached the victim and told him to "give it up." They allegedly stole $60 from the victim's pocket before fleeing onto Fitzwater Street.
About an hour later, police believe the same two suspects robbed a 31-year-old man riding his bike on the 1100 block of Ellsworth Street.
One of the suspects armed with a handgun stood in the middle of the road to block the biker while the other stood on the sidewalk as a lookout, police said. The suspects stole the victim's backpack, which contained his iPhone, wallet and $60. Police later recovered the victim's backpack, iPhone and wallet, but the money was missing.
Just past midnight, police say one of the suspects approached a 26-year-old man from behind and placed his hand over his mouth. The suspect told the victim to remain quiet and demanded his wallet while holding a handgun. Police say the suspects fled when they discovered there was no cash in the victim's wallet.
No victims were injured in any of the gunpoint robberies.
What they're saying:
Carl Cortez, a local biker, expressed his concern. "I know things can happen anywhere, I hope that everybody can be able to walk, ride, use public transportation in a safe manner, and I hope this thing can get squashed soon," said Cortez.
Lily Fernandez, a South Philly resident, shared her worries. "It’s definitely worrying, I walk a lot, I walk my dog all the time, I have young kids so I’m always walking them out and about to the park or to school," said Fernandez.
Captain McKeever of the Philadelphia Police described the incidents as crimes of opportunity, noting that the suspects appear to be from the neighborhood.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Gloria Thomas, another South Philly resident, emphasized the importance of caution, saying, "It’s very annoying and I always say to anybody that I talk to watch your surroundings, always watch your surroundings and be blessed out there."
What you can do:
The Philadelphia Police Department shared surveillance video of the suspects at a corner store on the night of the alleged robberies.
Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts should contact the Philadelphia Police Department.