Trolley Car Diner Armed Robber Convicted: Federal Authorities

MT. AIRY, PHILADELPHIA — A 29-year-old Philadelphia man was convicted of robbing the Trolley Car Diner in Mt. Airy back in January 2018, according to federal authorities.

United States Attorney William M. McSwain said Thursday Keenan Smith, 29, of Philadelphia, was convicted today at trial with attempted robbery which interferes with interstate commerce, and using or carrying, and discharging, a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Smith robbed the Trolley Car Diner in Germantown Avenue on Jan. 31, 2018, authorities said.

He got into the diner through a side door before the diner opened for business and waited outside the manager’s office with a gun.

When the manager arrived, the defendant pointed the gun at the manager’s head and told him not to move.

The manager attempted to disarm the defendant, who shot himself in the hand before fleeing.

Smith sought medical treatment at nearby Roxborough Memorial Hospital, and was later arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department.