Dozens Arrested After Tuesday Looting In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A large group of people ransacked several businesses in Center City Philadelphia Tuesday night, and dozens of them have been arrested.

According to Philadelphia Police, stores in Center City were looted by a large group of teenagers at about 8 p.m.

Police were alerted to the group that was roaming the area and stopped a group of men wearing black and masks at 17th and Chestnut streets around 8 p.m.

But then police started getting repots of looting at the Foot Locker store on Chestnut Street.

Officers headed to the Foot Locker and found it was looted in what they said was a coordinated attack.

At least one adult was arrested by police on scene.

Minutes later, the Lululemon store on Walnut Street was looted, and officers were able to take several people into custody in connection with that looting.

The Apple Store on Walnut Street was looted at about 8:18 p.m.

Police said phones and tablets were stolen, but numerous items stolen were found.

Additionally, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials said 18 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores were looted.

The board closed all of its store in Philadelphia after the looting and out of an abundance of caution for its workers.

Tuesday night, police said 15 to 20 people were arrested and two guns were recovered.

But multiple outlets report the number of people arrested as of Wednesday afternoon reached 52.

Action News reports of the 52, three are teens and 49 are adults.

Authorities eventually locked down Walnut Street between the 1400 and 1800 blocks, as well as between the 1400 and 1800 blocks of Chestnut Street.

Police also handled other reports of property damage and theft across the city Tuesday evening, including at businesses on Aramingo Avenue, Lehigh Avenue, and 52nd Street.

Police said they saw "chatter" on social media regarding coordination of the looting.

Authorities said they have reason to believe a caravan of vehicles was moving to and from locations that were looted.

According to police, a protest was held around City Hall Tuesday evening that ended at about 7:30 p.m.

The crowd gathered to protest charges being dropped against former police officer Mark Dial in connection with the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry.

The looting was unrelated to the protest, police said.

Cities officials said they worked with the commerce department and the office of emergency management to prepare any businesses for unrest following the court's decision regarding Dial's case.

However, officials said that communication could have been better.

Authorities called the looters "criminal opportunist" who "took advantage of the situation" and said it was disrespectful to the Irizarry family.

Anyone who has information on these incidents should contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477.