Police name suspect linked to Center City Philadelphia armed robberies involving AR-15-style rifle
A group is preying on people wearing flashy, high-end jewelry in Philadelphia, and police said the alleged robbers are using some serious firepower. The Philadelphia Police Department has obtained a warrant for one of the men suspected in the AR-15-style robberies in Center City.
New video police released Monday shows a suspect armed with an AR-15-style rifle near 12th and Sansom streets in Philadelphia. Investigators are looking for Shakur Nichols for the robbery and possibly others, police said.
It was a frightening scene as the barrel of the high-powered weapon came close to the victim's face more than once.
"It's extremely dangerous, sir," Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith said. "We just released video of that Sansom Street robbery and you'll see that the individual's arm with the AR-15 is actively engaged in ripping that wristwatch off the complainant all while he has a gun, a rifle, pointed at the man's face. So, it's a danger to the complainants, the victims, but it's also an extreme danger to the community at large."
Detectives said they've picked up on a pattern. Most of the victims were targeted for expensive jewelry, watches and chains.
"The defendant was walking with four other people at the time of the robbery," Smith said. "However, the offenders appear to single him out. It was at that time they took a diamond-encrusted wristwatch valued at approximately $2,500 as well as two gold chains, which were valued at $7,000 each."
According to police, it was the third of four robberies in a short period of time in the city.
In one case last month, police said an AR-15-style weapon was used near 15th and Locust streets during a robbery where one of the victims was allegedly pistol-whipped.
In another investigation, police said a victim was followed home to the other side of the city after her shift.
It's unclear what was taken in the robbery.
The armed thieves used stolen cars, police said. One of the cars has been recovered, according to police.
If you have information on Nichols' whereabouts, contact PPD at 215-686-3093/3094.
