Teen arrested, others sought in Spring Garden attacks

SPRING GARDEN (WPVI) -- A teenager has been arrested and two other suspects are expected to turn themselves in to police in connection with a series of mace attacks and robberies in the Spring Garden section of Philadelphia.

At least six different people have fallen victim to the young bandits in the past three weeks, police say.

As recently as Thursday, a woman was maced, assaulted and robbed on the 1800 block of North Street.

Investigators believe four or more young adults are involved in the series of robberies in which mace was used on the victims.

Police say a 15-year-old male is in custody Friday night.

Authorities are making arrangements with the parents of two other young males to turn themselves in, as well.

On Thursday night, police executed a warrant at a home in the 1900 block of North Street looking for evidence connected to the crimes.

Police say a gun was flashed in at least two of the robberies.

The group was captured on surveillance near North 22nd and Fairmount Avenue last Friday after attacking a 13-year-old boy.

Sources tell Action News that police have identified all of the suspects believed involved in the mace assaults and robberies.