PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are searching for a suspect they say has been robbing businesses at gun-point in the Northeast and East sections of the city.
Authorities say it all started on Sept. 21 when three places were robbed within an hour of each other at 12th Street and East Erie Avenue; 84th Street and Frankford Avenue; and 58th Street and Torresdale Avenue.
Several businesses have been hit since, including two on Thursday, Oct. 24. Police say nothing was taken in these attempts.
“Three incidents have happened at Dollar General. We've had two other incidents at Dollar Trees,” said Captain John Craig of the Northwest Detective Division.
Authorities say the robberies usually happen between 6 and 8 p.m.
They say the acts are typically the same — the man approaches a store’s cash register with an item to buy and when the register opens, he pulls out a gun and demands money.
“If anyone's ever a victim of a crime or an individual produces a weapon, cooperate with that individual. Your life is not worth any property,” Craig said.
Police say the suspect has a medium to heavy build and is estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old.
Police urge anyone with information to call Northeast Detectives at 215-686-3153 or contact the PPD Tip Line at 215-686-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.