Surveillance photo
Armed robbers have mounted a formidable assault on Northeast shops and convenience stores since mid-August, But it’s no coincidence, according to Philadelphia police, who say that the same masked man was involved in at least 13 of those crimes.
Detectives have pinned seven convenience store heists, along with three at pizza parlors, two at beer distributors and one at a diner on the unknown perpetrator, who has usually been described as white and stocky. Accounts of his height have varied greatly from about 5 feet 6 inches tall to well over 6 feet. But his attire and methods have enabled investigators to establish a clear pattern.
The crook likes to wear dark hooded sweatshirts, baseball caps, bandanas to cover his face and dark gloves with the fingers cut out. Sometimes, he wears a hood over his head. He has worn ski masks on his face in place of a bandana on at least three occasions. His preferred weapon is a silver handgun. Some victims have said the weapon appears to have a black handle and silver slide mechanism.
He hasn’t robbed the same store twice, according to police.
In two of the robberies, an accomplice accompanied the gunman into the stores, although he did not show a weapon. In one of those cases, the accomplice merely stood by and watched the gunman before they fled together. In another two-man job, the accomplice actually grabbed the money while the gunman provided cover.
The Northeast Times has reported on six of the robberies previously, but not within the context of a persistent crime pattern. Surveillance video from at least three of the robberies has been posted on the Philadelphia Police channel on YouTube.com.
The locations and dates of the robberies include: Pizza City, 7129 Frankford Ave., on Oct. 2; Wawa, 6400 Torresdale Ave., on Oct. 1; Italiano’s Pizza, 5938 Erdrick St., on Sept. 29; 7-Eleven, 2981 Welsh Road, on Sept. 28; 7-Eleven, 6919 Torresdale Ave., on Sept. 25; 7-Eleven, 6622 Rising Sun Ave., on Sept. 24; 7-Eleven, 7901 Frankford Ave., on Sept. 20; 7-Eleven, 2634 Bridge St., on Sept. 18; 7-Eleven, 1435 Cottman Ave., on Sept. 11; Frostee’s Beverages, 8425 Frankford Ave., on Aug. 23; Red Robin Diner, 6330 Frankford Ave., on Aug. 22; Pizza Hut, 6613 Frankford Ave., on Aug. 20; and Beer Box, 3350 Grant Ave., on Aug. 16.
Call Northeast Detectives at 215–686–3153 or the Philadelphia Police hotline 215–686-TIPS to report information about the crimes. Information can also be sent by text message to PPD TIP. ••
