The bandit struck on August 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 9th, and investigators are trying to bring him in. Police warn the suspect is a menacing young man who uses his words and a silver hand gun to spark terror in his victims.
Yan Lin, the victim's daughter, says her mother feared for her life while facing the barrel of the robber's gun during a holdup that was caught on surveillance video Sunday afternoon.
"He was right here...my mom right here. He got the right hand to get my mom's clothes and the other hand to put the gun to my mom's hand," Lin said.
The robber allegedly threatened to kill Lin's mother if she didn't hand over the cash and a couple packs of Newports.
"We need to get him off the streets because he is a violent individual," said Capt. Larry Nodiff of South Philadelphia Detectives.
Capt. Nodiff says the man has robbed two Asian grocery stores, a Metro PCS store, and a Radio Shack in the past week. There is surveillance video from the electronics store.
So far, no one's been hurt, but police worry it's only a matter of time until someone is injured by the robber. They say the man likely cases his locations before striking. When he does, he waits until other customers leave.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Philadelphia police by calling 911.
