Suspects use assault rifle in North Philadelphia robbery

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are searching for two suspects who used an assault rifle to rob a food market in North Philadelphia Thursday night.

The pair were caught on surveillance walking into the Clearfield Food Market located on the 2400 block of Clearfield Street at 8:40 p.m.

"When they come in, they pump the gun. They ask me where the money is. Give me all the money," owner Mario Lora told Action News.

The armed suspect put an AR-15 assault rifle right up to Mario's face.

"It was on my forehead. I worry about my life," Lora said.

The suspects grabbed Mario's 18-year-old assistant, ordering him to the floor and demanded cash.

Mario first told them to stop playing, then put his hands up and opened the cash register.

One suspect grabbed about $700 before the two ran off.

Police are understandably concerned the suspects would be armed with such a weapon; the suspect never taking a finger off the trigger of the gun.

"It's a semiautomatic weapon. It has the capacity of carrying 30 rounds of ammunition, very powerful ammunition that could potentially go through a ballistic vest," Philadelphia Police Lt. Bob Otto said.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the surveillance video

No injuries were reported.

The first suspect is described as a black male, 19-20 years-old, 5'11" tall with a thin build and light skin. He was wearing a black ski mask, orange hooded sweatshirt, black jacket, tan pants, and armed with a black AR-15 style rifle.

The second suspect is described as a black male, 19-20 years-old, 6'0" tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black ski mask, and all dark clothing.

Anyone with information on these suspects should call police at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP (773847).

All tips will remain confidential.