A gunpoint robbery of a business was reported over the weekend, a third commercial robbery in the area in the past week. A convenience store on S. 45th Street between Locust and Walnut, Philly Halal, was robbed on Saturday night, and shots were fired at the owner outside of the store when he tried to pursue the robber, according to police.

The business owner told police that an unknown male wearing a mask and armed with a handgun entered the store at 9 p.m. on Saturday and ordered the owner to get on the ground. He then went through the store and took phones, jewelry and cash, along with the owner’s wallet. Police say that the total of stolen goods exceeds $9,000.

After the robber left the store, the owner ran after him on foot north on 45th Street and then west on Walnut, where the suspect fired three shots. No injuries were reported. 

The suspect is described as a black male, 25-30 years old, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black mask. He was carrying two black duffle bags and was armed with a black handgun.

Police are currently reviewing surveillance videos.

Two other commercial robberies were reported within two blocks from this location on Sunday, May 15: at the Falafel restaurant on the 4400 block of Chestnut St. and at CVS at 43rd and Locust.