Police: Robbery trend developing in 14th District

Police are investigating a robbery pattern that is developing in the 14th District.

Between Feb. 16 and  and March 13 there were four gunpoint robberies in the 14th District involving a similarly described offender.

On Feb. 16 an employee for a Cricket Store located at 2538 West Cheltenham Ave. was working when an unknown male approached the register. Once at the counter the suspect pulled a handgun and placed a black plastic bag on the counter demanding money.

After the employee opened the cash register placing $300 in cash inside the bag the suspect fled on foot and was last seen going towards Limekiln Pike. The suspect is described as a 6’0″ black male and was last seen wearing a gray colored hooded sweatshirt with a Northface logo in black on the front, black pants, a black ski mask, gloves and was armed with a handgun.

The second incident took place on March 8 at 7:11 p.m. when an employee for 7-Eleven located at 7720 Ogontz Avenue was inside working when an unknown male entered the store for approximately five minutes before approaching the counter to purchase several items.

While at the counter he placed black plastic bag on the counter demanding money. When the employee hesitated, the suspect pulled a handgun stating, “This is a robbery.” After the suspect got $200 in cash he fled on foot and was last seen going west on 78th Avenue.

The suspect is described as a black male between 20 and 25 years-of-age with a thin build, no facial hair, wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt with a dark colored “Northface” logo on the front, black sweatpants, black hat, black gloves, and armed with a handgun.

The third incident occured on March 13 at 4:30 p.m. when an unknown male entered the Cricket store at 746 East Chelten Avenue and placed a black plastic bag on the counter demanding money while pointing a handgun. When the suspect was scared off he fled on foot and was last seen going west on Chelten Avenue. Nothing was taken during this robbery.

The suspect is described as a 5’7″-5’8″ black male around 20 years of age and was last seen wearing a dark colored hooded zip-up sweatshirt, dark baseball cap, black cargo pants, black sneakers with a white Nike logo and armed with a handgun.

The final incident occured on March 13 4:54 p.m. when an unknown male entered J&I Beauty Store at 2534 W. Cheltenham Ave. and acted as if he were purchasing items when he pulled out a handgun demanding money from the cash register be placed into a bag. After the employee placed $300 in cash inside the bag the suspect fled in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a black male, 25-35 years-of-age, 6’1″–6’2″ with a medium build, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with black baseball hat underneath, dark colored pants, black sneakers with a white Nike logo and armed with a handgun.

If you see this suspect do not approach him, contact 911 immediately. To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847. Use this electronic form to submit a tip anonymously. All tips will be confidential.