Police see spike in crime at Upper Darby Wawa

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (FOX 29) - Police are seeing an increase in crime at the Wawa on South 69th in Upper Darby. Police say while Wawas are generally safe places, the South 69 store is active.

According to police, they arrested a man a few weeks ago for disorderly conduct who after being released stole a vehicle so he could "go back to the Wawa."

"If I'm going to fight for a parking spot, I'm just going to keep on driving. I'm not going to fight for a parking spot. That's crazy," Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said.

Police say on March 10, two women fought over a parking spot. Investigators say a 41-year-old driver pulled in and went into the Wawa when she was followed by 51-year-old Aretha Robinson carrying a tool normally used for car repairs.

"Gets a tire iron and as the victim's back is turned to her inside the Wawa, she smacks her across the head one time, causing a significant contusion on her head," Superintendent Chitwood said.

As security camera video shows, when two officers arrived, Robinson is on the phone in the store with the tire iron still in hand.

Robinson, of Philadelphia, is charged with aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime.

Wawa did not immediately return an email from FOX 29's Jeff Cole for comment.