by Alex Lloyd Gross
Philadelphia Police have noticed a trend in several robberies within the past week in Northeast and Northwest Philadelphia. The thieves threaten people with a hammer. In several instances, they hit the victim with a hammer. In one instance, a 13 year old child at a playground was hit with a hammer for a “Bape” Hoodie and New Balance Sneakers. The robberies are as follows.
On Wednesday, 12/20/23 at 4:15 pm, while at the Fox Chase playground, a 13 year old B/M was approached by four males wearing dark masks. One of the males pulled out a handgun as the other males attacked the complainant. Taken in this robbery was a black “Bape” hoodie and black New Balance sneakers. The offenders then punched, kicked, and stomped on the complainant as he was knocked to the ground. While on the ground, one of the males pulled out a hammer and struck the complainant on the arms, legs, and forehead.
The offenders ran to a white Acura SUV, possible newer model, and left the scene at a high rate of speed.
Offender #1: 13-16/W/M, 5’6″ tall, 120-130lbs, wearing a mask
Offender #2: 13-16/B/M, 5’6″ tall, wearing a mask
Offender #3: 13-16/B/M, 5’8″-5’10” tall, wearing a mask
Offender #4: 13-16/B/M, 5’6″ tall, wearing a mask.
2. Robbery—Adams & Rising Sun Avenues
On Wednesday, 12/20/23 at approximately 5:18 PM, the complainant was waiting for the bus when he was approached by the offenders who punched him and told him to drop his things. The complainant complied and the offenders took his bag which contained his school Chromebook and Yeezy sneakers. One of the male displayed a hammer.
Offender #1:B/M, red “Bape “ hoodie, hammer
Offender #2: B/M, purple “Bape” hoodie
3. Robbery—5700 Rising Sun Avenue
On Thursday, 12/21/23, at approximately 12:25PM, the complainant was approached by the offenders who demanded his sneakers. The offenders then knocked him to the ground and took his PandaDunk sneakers. One of the offenders then pulled out a small sledgehammer. The offenders fled in a white Acura MDX bearing NJ temp tag. The vehicle was last seen in the area of 7th St. & Lehigh Ave.
Offender #1: W/M, 5’4”, purple Bape hoody
Offender #2: B/M, “Nasir”, 5’10”, black mask
Offender #3: B/F, “Rachelle Dever”, red hair
Offender #4: B/M, 5’10”, mask
Offender #5: B/M, 5’4” #6- W/F
4. Robbery—2000 W. Cheltenham Avenue
On Thursday, 12/21/23, at approximately 3:19pm, the complainant was walking home from school westbound on Cheltenham Ave when three (3) juvenile B/Ms wearing all black and ski masks approached him yelling “Give me your sneakers”. One of the offenders then hit him in the head with a hammer and attempted to take the complainant’s shoes but were unsuccessful. Offenders fled on foot in an unknown direction. The complainant suffered a quarter size laceration to the right side of his head and was transported to Einstein Hospital by PFD medics.
5. Robbery—Krewstown & Surrey Roads.
On Thursday, 12/21/23 at approximately 7:45PM, the complainant was walking past a diner and nearing the intersection of Krewstown and Surrey Road when he realized he was about to be attacked by six to seven offenders, all wearing black Nike ski masks, who were running up to him. The complainant ran into the middle of the street the offenders attacked him. One offender, a thin black male wearing all black, was swinging a black and yellow hammer at him. The other offenders were kicking and punching him. The complainant fought back but was overwhelmed and the offenders took his bicycle and shoes. The complainant was able to recover his bicycle because the offenders kept dropping it. They then fled in a red or orange Kia SUV. Prior to the robbery, a white SUV was driving behind the complainant prior to the robbery and may be affiliated with the offenders. The red or orange SUV fled west on Surrey Road and then turned north on Alton Street.
Offenders: 6 B/Ms in dark clothing and masks.
Police want to find them before they strike again,or rob the wrong victim and get shot. Anyone with info as to who these idiots are is asked to contact Northeast detectives at (215) 686-3153 or 54.