Police Charge 14 Year-Old Boy In 15 Robberies Near Drexel University
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Police have a 14 year-old boy in custody in connection with a series of 15 armed robberies in 30 days near Drexel University.
For a month, police were stumped. Detectives had very little evidence to work with as the incidents piled up. The last robbery ended with a young woman being punched and pistol whipped after she resisted.
Lieutenant John Walker says the boy was arrested Friday while riding the same purple bicycle used in several robberies.
"We learned that he's 14-years-old," says Walker. "He lives in the 700 block of North 37th Street, which is close to this community. He has been charged with these 15 robberies."
There is no word from District Attorney Seth Williams yet on if the boy will be charged as an adult. His name has not been released.
Lieutenant Walker says residents and students in the area shouldn't let their guard down.
"We just want people to understand when you're in an urban environment, you have to live with awareness," he says. "Don't live with fear."