Surveillance video released of shooting, $70k robbery in Northeast Philadelphia parking lot

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Friday, August 29, 2014
RAW VIDEO: Surveillance of NE Phila. ambush, robbery
Philadelphia Police released surveillance video of an ambush, shooting and robbery in the parking lot of a Pathmark store.

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police have released surveillance video of Thursday's ambush, shooting and robbery in the parking lot of a supermarket in Northeast Philadelphia.

It happened around 6:00 p.m. Thursday outside the Pathmark located at Large Street and Bleigh Avenue.

The suspects got away with $70,000 in cash.

The victim, a 37-year-old businessman, had just pulled into the parking lot to make a deposit at the Citizens Bank branch inside the store.

"These two perpetrators, they both were wearing masks, they approached the victim's vehicle and we believe they broke both of the windows," said Chief Inspector Scott Small, Philadelphia Police.

Police say that's when he was ambushed, robbed and shot in the arm.

"He was shot in the shoulder. I saw the guy getting out of the car, there was a lot of blood all over his clothing," said Brian Amato, witness.

According to investigators, the surveillance video shows that the victim was targeted on purpose.

"It appears that the suspect vehicle was waiting in this parking lot for at least one hour before this robbery and shooting," said Chief Inspector Small.

Witnesses say after gunshots rang out, customers scattered to try and get out of harms way.

The victim was taken to Aria Torresdale Hospital in stable condition.

Authorities say the two suspects fled in a white Dodge Caravan and were later seen in the 7000 block of Kindred Street, trying to change the license tag on the vehicle.

Police are asking for anyone with information about the vehicle or the suspects to please come forward and call 911.

Tips can be submitted by calling 215.686.TIPS (8477) or texting a tip to PPD TIP (773847).