Authorities search for armed
suspect in store robberies

Philadelphia police are seeking the public’s help in identifying an armed man who has robbed at least seven city convenience stores in recent weeks.
Investigators believe that the suspect is responsible for five holdups in the Northeast from June 6 to 17, as well as two in Roxborough on July 2 and 4. All have occurred at 7-Eleven stores.
During the latest crime, the man allegedly fired a gunshot into the floor, said Detective William Knecht of Northwest Detectives.
The robber has used the same basic method in each heist. All of the crimes occurred at 5:30 a.m. or earlier. According to Knecht, the suspect typically points a weapon at the clerk and demands cash.
There have been no injuries reported in connection with the incidents.
The gunshot may have occurred accidentally as the suspect fled the July 4 crime, police have said. The suspect also dropped the gun during the same incident.
The most recent holdups occurred at 5632 Ridge Ave. and 6101 Ridge Ave.
In the Northeast, the bandit has struck at 5800 Rising Sun Ave. (June 6), 5028 Frankford Ave. (June 11), 5231 Harbison Ave. (June 15), 7901 Frankford Ave. (June 17) and 1435 Cottman Ave. (June 17).
Witnesses describe the suspect as black, age 35 to 40, dark-skinned, bald, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds.
He wore a white T-shirt during one robbery and a black T-shirt during another. He has been seen fleeing in a white, four-door sedan with tinted windows.
Call Northwest Detectives at 215-686-3353 with information about the crimes. ••