Police: Woman held at knifepoint, robbed in Center City

CENTER CITY (WTXF) - Police say a man is accused of robbing a woman at knifepoint on the 1700 block of Spruce Street in Center City.

It happened Thursday morning just minutes past midnight.

According to police, before pulling out the knife, the young man asked the woman for directions to 15th and Market Streets. She tried to help him and continued walking, but he followed her. Then, for a second time, told her he was lost and needed help.

Investigators say the man inched closer towards the victim and he opened his jacket, exposing a knife. He threatened the woman and demanded her cell phone and cash, police say. Then, he took off east on Spruce Street.

Police say the man is believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s.

If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, please contact: Central Detective Division: 215-686-3093/3094 Det. Bova#9228 DC 19-09-001205