Jen, a 28-year-old Asian American, was a victim of a robbery at gunpoint that occurred yesterday morning at the corner of 50th and Hazel. Jen wanted to let others know of this attack, particularly since it occurred at a time when many folks are walking to the EL and trolleys. She reported this incident to the police, who confirmed it to us and said that they are actively working on this case.
Here’s what Jen wrote us:
“Between 8:20 and 8:25 AM on Tuesday March 20th I was the victim of a robbery at gun point at the corner of 50th and Hazel. Just before leaving my house that morning, I saw a stranger standing at the corner of 50th and Osage (in front of Sonny Hill’s building) and thought nothing of it. I began to walk southbound on 50th Street toward the 50th and Baltimore trolley stop. By the time I passed Larchwood I heard footsteps very close to me and when I slightly turned my head over, I saw that he had a mask covering his nose and mouth. I was alarmed and attempted to get rid of him by making a quick turn onto Hazel, but he pulled out a gun from his backpack and demanded everything that I had. I threw him my purse and at that point he jogged off southbound on 50th street.
The mask he wore was a reddish to blue paisley printed bandana (the red turned into a dark blue towards the bottom of the bandana) and [he] appeared to be in his 30’s, black, about 6-feet tall, and thin (I would guess 170 – 180 lbs). He was wearing a navy blue hoodie, and carried a dark green backpack (the straps were black like a Jansport bag). His gun was a large revolver with a black handle, and a gunmetal colored [barrel]. He did not point the gun at me, but pulled the gun out of his backpack with his hand and fingers ready to pull the trigger.”
March 22nd, 2012 at 3:30 pm
That’s a shame.
Jen, if you’re reading this, I live at 50th and Hazel and leave for work around 8:15-8:30–we’ve probably seen each other around plenty of times. I imagine you’re pretty shaken up. Let me know if you want someone to walk with you to the trolley on weekday mornings. As a neighbor, I’d be more than happy to do so. I don’t want to leave my email address out in the open, but the West Philly Local administrator should now have it, since it’s required with this comment– and s/he is welcome to share it with you. Sorry you had such a crummy thing happen to you.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Hi Jen – I also live right near there and leave for work around that time most days. Contact me if you need to.
March 22nd, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Reader Keira posted on our Facebook page that her friend was robbed at 9:30 a.m. this morning at 50th & Walton. Also at gunpoint.
March 23rd, 2012 at 1:43 am
They caught the guy! TheFuzz in effect.
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:30 am
Great! Details?
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:33 am
We’ll have details soon…
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Found a purse discarded and empty across street from gold standard. email me with description and claim it. Angelenamccloskey@gmail.com
March 23rd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@ Kate: Thank you so much for your offer to walk together. I am currently just too shaken up to continue to use the trolley. When that changes I will certainly contact you.
March 23rd, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@Jen No problem! Take your time. I got mugged a couple of years ago and spent a few weeks feeling nervous about walking in my own neighborhood, too. It sucks. Definitely feel welcome to drop me a line anytime. Or say hi-I’m the shortish white woman, about your age, wearing a pink jacket and biking down 50th in the morning.
March 28th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
I live in between 50th and 51st and Hazel and also walk that way around the same time every morning. I am glad you reported this since I normally feel safe walking from my house to the bus. Since most of us who posted comments on here are neighbors, we should all keep an eye out for each other! This is awful! Stay safe!
April 3rd, 2012 at 11:45 am
@ Jen – I wanted to reach out – my wife was the other person who got held-up by this person, she’s about in the same place emotionally as you are – not able to walk the two blocks to the trolley at the moment and not particularly comfortable outside the house in general.
I don’t know if it would be helpful or painful for the two of you to meet, but I wanted to reach out. If you’re interested, comment below and we can figure out a way to trade info offline. If not, no need to reply.
-Chris
April 10th, 2012 at 8:07 am
@ Chris – you are right. Like your wife, I also have no sense of security no matter where I am. I find myself being a recluse nowadays and not interested in being anywhere but home. Should she need someone to talk to, please ask the editor for my email address. Alternatively, if she received the same subpoena as I did then I will probably see her in person very soon. Her attendance is her choice, however I very much hope that she has decided to voice her opinion in this. Thanks for reaching out.
April 11th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Hey Jen –
I’m guessing we did get the same subpoena, and we both will be attending. May be easiest to just meet there, we are definitely coming. If we don’t – I’ll get in touch with the editor.