Surveillance photo
Whenever detectives examine surveillance video of a robbery, they always look for distinguishing characteristics of the perpetrator. Maybe it’s his clothing, or a facial feature or a mannerism.
In the case of the armed robber of a Wawa in Morrell Park on Dec. 15, it’s his knife — a very big, gnarly looking knife.
The crime occurred at about 3:43 a.m. when a man in all black clothing and sunglasses charged through the front door of the store at 10550 Knights Road with his left arm extended and pointing a sizable blade directly at the cashier’s counter. He demanded money from the register. A clerk quickly complied.
In the video, a second employee can be seen in the frame, but he could do little but encourage his coworker to make it snappy. Another patron entered the store briefly, too. But after spotting the crime in progress, he immediately reversed course and fled.
Police described the robber as white, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 160 pounds with a black hoodie (worn inside-out), black pants, black boots and sunglasses. The knife, however, looked like a silver metal sculpture with a curving blade, pointed tip, serrated back edge and angled vents. The metal handle featured a brass knuckle-style grip.
The robber fled with a plastic Wawa bag containing cash and was seen running eastbound toward a wooded area leading to the Poquessing Creek. Visit the Philadelphia Police channel on YouTube.com to view the surveillance video. Call 215–686-TIPS or text to PPD TIP to report information. ••
Surveillance photo
