7-Eleven clerk shot in Upper Darby, suspect sought

UPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police are looking for the man who shot and wounded a 7-Eleven clerk during an attempted robbery in Upper Darby, Pa.

It happened at the store on Long Lane around 10 p.m. Thursday.

The suspect, who was referred to as an 'urban terrorist' and a 'thug' by the police chief, walked into the store with a small, black handgun.

The 31-year-old clerk was by himself at the counter. A co-worker was restocking the walk-in freezer.

"Obviously this guy was staking out the joint because there was nobody in there. There were no customers in there. You're not going to go into a store full of people. It's just not going to happen that way," said Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.

When the clerk didn't give up the cash, police say the suspect fired, hitting the victim in the thigh.

The suspect fled without taking anything. The victim was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Upper Darby police are now investigating if the holdup is connected to three others in Delaware and Chester counties in recent weeks.

On Jan. 22, police say a 7-Eleven in Broomall was robbed at gunpoint by two men. Later that same night, police responded to another armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Treddyfrin Township.

On Jan. 29, Radnor Police responded to an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Bryn Mawr.

"We do all the intelligence sharing and there are similarities that would make one think that there could be a group out there," said Chitwood.

While the investigation continues, people in this area aren't letting their guard down.

"I live with my mom so I'll definitely let her know. She takes the bus and it stops right here," said Edwill Rivas.

As for the clerk who was shot, he is in good condition. The store manager said this was his first month on the job.