A series of gunpoint robberies committed by what looks like the same two suspects took place on Wednesday night on South 50th street, according to police.

The first robbery was reported near 50th and Walton. A 24-year-old man told police that he was walking in the area around 9:50 p.m. and talking on his cell phone when he was approached by two unknown males who had white T-shirts covering their faces. One of the males pointed a black handgun at the man and said: “Where’s the money? Where’s the phone?”, according to a police report. The man handed the robbers his Samsung flip phone and his wallet containing his credit and debit cards and identification. One of the robbers also grabbed the man’s backpack, after which both suspects fled northbound on 50th street. The man was not injured. Police said that one of the suspects was wearing a white tank top. Continue Reading

Police are investigating a gunpoint robbery that took place on Monday night, shortly after 10 p.m. A 25-year-old man was walking on 44th street near Sansom when an unknown young male wearing a mask ran up to him from behind, pulled out a black handgun and demanded the man’s cell phone and wallet, according to police. Then the victim noticed another young male nearby, also wearing a mask. The gunman took the victim’s iPhone and the other robber took his wallet, according to a police report. Then both robbers fled in opposite directions. No injuries were reported. Suspects are described as black males, 18-21 years old, 5’9″ – 5’10”, both wearing masks covering their faces.

Police are investigating a double shooting near the intersection of 54th and Walnut Streets that sent two people to the hospital. Police say the shooting took place at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday when two 20-year-old male victims were approached by three suspects who asked them for the time. Then two of the suspects pulled out guns, and the young men started running away in opposite directions, according to a police report. The suspects opened fire at the fleeing men, wounding both of them. One victim was shot in the leg and the other was shot in the finger, according to police. They were taken to Presbyterian Hospital and listed in stable condition.  Continue Reading

Two people were robbed at gunpoint near 48th and Larchwood on early Sunday morning, according to police. The robbery took place around 1:30 a.m. when a 30-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were approached by two male teens (approximately 15-16 year-olds). One of them pointed a silver handgun at the man and said: “Give it up or it’s gonna be a homicide,” according to a police report. The suspects fled with two cell phones, keys, one of the victims’ ID and some cash.

Police say that the victims didn’t report the incident until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and said they would not recognize the attackers if they saw them again.

Related post: Uptick in robberies reported by police, residents

• Police have released images and surveillance video of a man who they believe robbed two Rite Aid stores in West Philadelphia and are asking for the public’s assistance to identify and locate him. Police say that the man is involved in three robberies at Rite Aid stores located at 5214 Baltimore Ave. and 5699 Chestnut St. that took place between Aug. 20 and Aug. 24. Each robbery had a similar pattern – the man entered the store, picked up some items and brought them to the register. Then he announced a robbery while simulating a weapon in his sweatshirt pocket. The man has already stolen nearly $1,000 from the stores, according to police.  Continue Reading

Police are investigating an overnight shooting on the 5400 block of Norfolk St., which left one person dead. A 21-year-old man was shot multiple times and was taken to Mercy Hospital by a private vehicle shortly before 1 a.m., according to a police report. The man was suffering from numerous gunshot wounds to his entire body, according to police. He was pronounced dead at around 1:20 a.m. on Saturday.

So far police have no suspects and no motive for the shooting. The investigation continues.