Police are still searching for a man who is wanted in a string of armed robberies around West Philly last week. He allegedly robbed a laundromat and nail salons along Chestnut Street, according to Det. Joe Murray of the Southwest Detectives.

The man is described as a black male about 20-30 years old and about 5-feet, 7-inches tall with short hair and a short beard. He has exhibited violent behavior during the robberies, Murray said.

Police are looking for him in connection with the following crimes:

• During mid-afternoon on July 30, a worker at the Emerald Laundromat said a man had been sitting on a chair in the establishment for about 30 minutes before the man pulled out a small black handgun and stuck in the worker’s neck and demanded money. He fled with $350 from the register.

• On August 2 at about 11 a.m., a man entered the Myly Nail Salon at 6214 Landsdowne Ave. with a black handgun and demanded money. The man took an envelope from the counter with $100 along with a cell phone. Police say the man held the gun to the salon owner’s head and said: “Shut up, do you want to die?” He then fled the store. Continue Reading

A 13-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday for his involvement in attempted armed robberies in the area of Chestnut Street between 46th and 47th. Police said the boy tried to rob five people, one person on Monday and four on Tuesday.

Here’s a recap:

Monday, July 30, 9:55 p.m., 46th and Chestnut

A 23-year-old woman was approached by the suspect riding a bicycle. He stopped next to her and told her to give him everything she got. The woman refused and started to walk off. Then the male pointed a handgun at her and again demanded her belongings. The woman, who was carrying a Mac Book Pro and an iPhone4, began yelling for help and then ran east on Chestnut St. While running she fell and suffered multiple cuts to her legs. She was able to run home where she called 911. Nothing was taken.

Tuesday, July 31, 10:26 a.m., Farragut and Market

A 24-year-old man was walking north on Farragut St. toward the El when the suspect approached him and asked him what time it was. The man looked at his phone and told the suspect it was 10:26 a.m. and continued walking. The suspect followed him and was now holding a gun. He told the victim to give him all his money. The victim said he didn’t have any. The suspect walked away. Nothing was taken and no injuries were reported. Continue Reading

Two West Philadelphia residents were mugged last night, around 11:15 p.m. on Kingsessing between 46th and 47th Streets, according to police. Two men, one with a gun, told the victims to sit down on the ground and empty their pockets. One of the victims was hit in the face with the gun and later taken to the hospital with minor facial injuries. While the robbery was in progress, undercover police officers turned up and arrested one of the robbers on the spot, then later, after a chase, they caught the other suspect near 46th and Linmore.

The victims’ belongings were recovered, with the exception of a wallet. We are trying to get more information from the police whether this incident is related to other robberies in the area, including a very recent one when a man was robbed and pistol-whipped at 46th and Cedar Avenue.

A 29-year-old man sustained facial injuries during a gunpoint robbery at 12:40 a.m. at 46th Street and Cedar Avenue. Police said the victim was approached by a male who struck him several times in the face and head with a metal object, believed to be a handgun.

The attacker took $45 from the man and ran east on Cedar. As a result of the attack, the victim had cuts and bruises on his face and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.

The attacker is described as a black male, medium complexion, about 5’10” tall, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts. No other details were provided.

Don’t forget about the walking escort service. Call 215-898-WALK (9255) and a Public Safety Ambassador will be dispatched. This is a free service and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A ring of car thieves is apparently operating in Sector 3 of the 18th Police District, between Market and S. 49th Streets and the Schuylkill River, according to information provided by Brian M. Villa, 27th Ward Democratic Committeeman (the 27th ward for the Democratic Executive Committee encompasses Penn’s campus). The police asked for help to address this problem, Villa said.

Toyota Camry models from the 1990s to the 2000s are being specifically targeted, apparently for their metal body parts. The thefts are mostly taking place between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. About a dozen cars were stolen in this area in the past month (see map).

If you see suspicious activity please call 911 and note to the dispatcher that this is a targeted issue of the 18th District police.

Map of car thefts in the 18th Police District, Sector 3, from June 23 to July 23, 2012. “V” stands for vehicle theft. (Source: Crime Reports)

The 19-year-old man who pleaded guilty in April to a highly publicized sexual assault last fall and was scheduled to be sentenced last Friday has changed his mind.

During his sentencing hearing, Kareem Drayton rescinded his guilty plea and fired his attorney, according to court records. Drayton negotiated a guilty plea in April to the sexual assault at gunpoint of a 32-year-old teacher last September near 48th and Springfield and other robbery and weapons charges. Drayton told the court that he wants a trial.

A trial would require locating several witnesses and complainants in the case.

“(He) wants to roll the dice,” said a source familiar with the case.

Drayton’s next court date is August 16.