Police Searching For Suspects Wanted In 2 Robberies Targeting Teenagers In South Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are looking for two robbery suspects targeting teenagers in South Philadelphia. The robberies happened earlier this month on a busy stretch of South Broad Street.
There have now been three strong-arm robberies in this part of Philadelphia so far this year.
Police released surveillance video of the latest incidents on Wednesday morning.
The first robbery happened at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Police say a 19-year-old man was stalked by two other men at Broad and Tasker Streets. They got away with his wallet and $200.
The second incident happened two days later on Feb. 6 at 10:45 a.m. Police say another 19-year-old was waiting for a train at the Ellsworth-Federal Station. Police say two men stalked, attacked and robbed him of his Airpods.
Police say no weapons were used during either incident.
"Usually an approach from behind, both wearing hooded jackets with their hoods pulled up, immediate attack, physically," Philadelphia Police Staff Inspector Sekou Kinebrew said. "Thankfully, at least at this point, it doesn't appear they used a weapon, it was feet and fists, which is bad enough, and physically removing items from the victims."
They say the two robberies were likely committed by the same people.
"It's either the same or operating in the ring or something, but we have every reason to believe they are related in terms of MO, physical description, things like that. We just want to disrupt this type of activity," Kinebrew said.
Residents in the area are concerned.
"People are struggling and they're going to do whatever they have to do to make their ends meet," Melissa Miller said. "And it's a shame because they're seeking out the innocent people out here that's trying to work and grind and make their own."
If you recognize the suspects, contact the South Detective Division at 215-686-3013.