PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Detectives have released more details about a Center City jewelry store robbery investigation — and about the suspect, who has a history of arrests.
Investigators say 53-year-old Phu Chim, who was arrested more than a week ago for a robbery at Cheung’s Jade and Jewelry two weeks ago, has a record of several prior arrests, including robbery, aggravated assault and gun offenses.
“From what I understand, he is a thrill seeker,” said Central Detectives Capt. Jason Smith. “His primary source of income is through the narcotics trade, as evidenced by having 26 1/2 pounds of marijuana inside his residence — and he just does this for kicks.”
He says Chim barged into the store at 9th and Arch streets on July 31 and smashed glass display cases with a hammer.
Smith said the merchandise has a combined value of about $120,000: “Chim took several trays containing various jewelry items, including gold earrings, necklaces and bracelets from the counter.”
Police identified Chim as the suspect through surveillance video. Smith says he left behind a few things that helped lead police to him, including latex gloves and a 76ers baseball cap.
“All items recovered were observed to be worn by the offender during the commission of the robbery,” Smith said, and all have been submitted for DNA testing.
As investigators sifted through surveillance video, they found the suspect getting into a Lexus. They ran the license plate on the suspect’s car and, just days later, SWAT went to his home in South Philly, where they arrested him after a brief foot chase.
“During a search of Chim’s residence, detectives recovered two handguns — a .380 caliber Bersa, a Springfield .45 caliber handgun — an AR-style rifle, loaded with 27 live rounds, additional ammunition, as well as 26 1/2 pounds of marijuana, which had approximate street value of $200,000.”
Chim faces robbery, drug and gun charges, and he remains in the hospital for injuries he sustained during the chase.