PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two people have been arrested in connection with a rash of armed robberies targeting Latino-owned businesses in the Feltonville commercial corridor.
Officials say Omar White Davis and Acia Moore, ages 28 and 20, are believed to be responsible for the 13 robberies across the area. Police say they robbed some stores more than once, sometimes within hours of each other.
Both have been charged with armed robbery and other related offenses.
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Seventh District Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez said it’s disappointing to know that the alleged offenders are from the community.
“This is not someone coming from the outside,” she said. “This is someone who lives in his own community and creating this kind of destruction during this holiday season.”
Business owners in the area are relieved by the arrests, but they say they are remaining vigilant. Jizelle Poveda said her store was robbed twice.
“We’re conscious that we can’t have a police officer outside of our stores at all times,” she noted, “so at the end of the day, we have to do what we can to protect ourselves.”
Police Capt. Javier Rodriguez said patrols have been ramped up in the area, but he agrees that business owners should take precautions as well.
“Make sure they don’t have a lot of money in their till, and although you are allowed to arm yourself on these properties, make sure that you’re justified when you’re going to use any type of force,” he advised.
Officials believe there may be another person involved who could be arrested as well.
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CORRECTION: Initial reports said Davis was 18 years old and Moore was 24. Their ages have been updated to reflect the Philadelphia Police Department's latest release.