Man hospitalized after suffering 30 stab wounds in Southwest Philadelphia attempted robbery

SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A local business owner remains hospitalized after an armed robbery that turned violent in Southwest Philadelphia.

The incident happened around 6 p.m. Thursday at Southwest Auto Tag Services located in the 6200 block of Dicks Avenue.

Police said a man armed with a knife entered the store just as it was closing. A struggle ensued and, police said, 63-year-old Patrick Spinosa suffered 30 stab wounds to the head and upper torso.

"It's a very violent scene. A lot of blood inside, a lot of turned over chairs," said Lt. John Walker of the Philadelphia Police Department.

It's hard to imagine it could have been worse, but police said the robber also had a gun, and fired off a shot inside the store that only hit the floor.

Spinosa's family has run Southwest Auto Tags for several decades serving a community that's seen better days.

Spinosa's daughter and son-in-law were at the crime scene Friday afternoon, removing records and belongings.

"He works 6 days a week here," said Peter Bryant. "I've known him for about nine years, and he's just a great guy, family man, and it's a terrible tragedy."

The violent knife attack has left area residents stunned.

"Nice guy, a guy that just works every day and tries to make a living and doesn't do anything crooked," said friend David Coletta.

Police are working on retrieving some surveillance video from a nearby gas station to assist the investigation.