Police: Suspect sought in Payless store robberies in North Philadelphia

Police are searching for a man wanted in connection with a pair of robberies in Northeast Philadelphia on Dec. 11.

According to authorities, an unknown black man entered the Payless shoe store on the 2000 block of Cottman Avenue and demanded the store clerk fill a duffel bag with money. After the clerk refused, police say the man fled the store in an unknown direction.

Later that night the suspect allegedly used a similar strategy to successfully rob a different Payless store on the 4000 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. Police say the suspect fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money.

Police urge the public to not approach the suspect if seen. Anyone with information on this investigation can submit an anonymous tip at 215-686-8477.