Masked suspects armed with AR-15-style rifle wanted after Center City robbery
Masked suspects armed with AR-15-style rifle wanted after Center City robbery
Police are searching for three armed suspects following a violent robbery in Center City this weekend as terrifying video circulates online.
PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for suspects after three men were robbed at gunpoint by three suspects dressed in black and wearing masks on the 1500 block of Locust Street around 3 a.m. Sunday, ordering them to the ground and demanding their belongings.
What we know:
Police say the victims—ages 27, 35 and 36—are believed to be friends or family members.
The robbery escalated into violence when one of the victims was struck in the face with a handgun during a brief altercation with the suspects, leaving the victims with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. The other two victims complied with the attackers' demands.
Police release new info on Philadelphia armed robberies involving AR-15
Philadelphia police are sharing more information about a series of armed robberies in Center City.
All three suspects were masked. Police say two were armed with handguns, while a third was carrying an automatic/AR-15-style high-powered rifle.
They fled the scene in a gray Honda Accord—originally stolen from Cheltenham on Aug. 19—that had been sitting in the area for three hours prior to the attack, according to police. The vehicle was recovered early Monday morning in Philadelphia and is awaiting the execution of a search warrant.
Jewelry, cellphones, watches, car keys, wallets, driver's licenses and cash were stolen from the victims, according to police.
Terrifying video
Dig deeper:
Video posted online shows one of the victims on his knees while being held at gunpoint by two of the suspects, one with a handgun and one with the suspected AR-15-style rifle.
Police say that the video is a key part of their ongoing investigation.
Philadelphia Police Captain Anthony Gannard emphasized the severity of the incident, stating that any robbery involving a firearm—especially a high-power style firearm—is always concerning.
What we don't know:
The identities of the three armed suspects, along with anyone else who may have been inside the getaway vehicle, are still unknown, and police warn that they are considered armed and dangerous.
Police say this robbery does not appear to follow any pattern of similar incidents. However, it is still unclear if the victims were targeted by the suspects.
What you can do:
If you were in the area, have dashcam or security footage or know anything about this crime, please contact the Philadelphia Police Department tip line at 215-686-TIPS.
The Source: Information from Philadelphia police and FOX 29 reporting.