Man Sought In 3 West Philadelphia Armed Robberies

PHILADELPHIA — Police in Philadelphia are asking for help finding a man they said was responsible for three armed robberies in West Philly back in October.

The first robbery took place at about 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Haverford Mini Market, 5450 Haverford Ave.

Employees told police an unknown black man in all black clothing robbed them with a handgun.

One employee behind the counter handed the man $300 from the cash register after he demanded money while pointing a gun at her.

Police said the man was seen on video pacing outside the store about 1o minutes before the robbery.

He went into the store at 1:25 p.m., walked around inside for five minutes, then committed the robbery.

The man was seen running out of the store, heading north on 55th towards Westminster.

No one was hurt.

• Suspect Description: Black male, 6’3, slender build, 60-65 years-of-age, gray hair, gray beard and armed with a black handgun.

The next day at about 12:54 p.m., police were called to 4823 Chester Avenue for a report of a robbery in progress.

Officers on scene found the victim, who said she was working the register when a man entered and walked down an aisle.

He then approached the register area, pulled a firearm out of his waistband, and pointed it at the victim, demanding money.

She handed over an undetermined amount of money, then the man left the store.

• Suspect Description: Black male, 6’3, slender build, 60-65 years-of-age, gray hair, gray beard and armed with a black handgun.

And finally at about 10:52 a.m. on Oct. 9, police were called to Vine Deli and Grocery store at 262 N. Simpson St. for a report of a robbery in progress.

There, police met with the cashier who said a man came into the store, bought cigars, then pulled out a large black handgun.

Police said the man pointed the gun at the cashier and demanded money from the register.

The man walked around and tried to get behind the register, but the cashier grabbed the firearm and wrestled it out of his hands with the assistance of another employee.

The suspect then fled towards 65th Street on foot.

In all these incidents, the suspect was described as a black man 60 to 65 years old who stood 6 feet 3 inches tall. He has gray hair and a gray beard.

Police said the gun used in these robberies was actually a black Pietro Beretta BB gun loaded with seven BBs in an extended magazine wrapped in black electrical tape. Police have recovered that BB gun.

If you see this suspect, do not approach him and instead contact 911 immediately.

Submit tips by calling or texting 215-686-8477. Use this electronic form to submit a tip anonymously.

All tips will be confidential.

Anyone with information about this crime or this suspect is asked to contact the Southwest Detective Division at 215-686-3183 or 215-686-3184.