Armed robbery spree in South Philadelphia linked to carjacked SUV, police say
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are looking for three suspects who they say committed at least seven armed robberies in less than two hours in South Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
The robberies all took place between 10:30 p.m. and midnight. The victims were all walking or standing in a street when they were robbed.
A man who only wanted to be identified as Salvatore was one of the victims. He was turning the corner at 17th and Johnston just after 10:30 p.m when he was attacked.
"I got seven stitches," he said.
- 10-year-old boy shot in head while walking home from school: Philadelphia police
Salvatore was pistol-whipped in the head and was robbed of $300, a backpack and a cellphone.
He was one of seven victims in Tuesday night's crime spree.
"I know the neighbors on the corner, so I know they hang outside. I thought it was them. I was about to make a phone call, I said 'what's going on fellas,' and then I looked they said 'give me your stuff.' The next thing I know, I'm fighting them back and the one kid pulls out a gun and points it at my head," said Salvatore.
The three suspects were sure to cover their faces. They initially drove by in a stolen Nissan Rogue SUV, then got out and waited to attack.
The robbery locations include the 2900 south 7th street; 17th and Johnston; 8th and Oregon: 9th and Oregon; 6th and Tasker; 11th and Tasker; 13th and Tasker.
- Police release surveillance video of suspect after man found dead, tied to bed in Fox Chase
Police say the trio finally ditched the SUV, which was carjacked Saturday, under I-95 at Front and Dickinson streets.
Chief Inspector Scott Small says the same car was used in even more criminal activity.
"We know that this vehicle was also reported to be used in two or three other crimes in the last few days," said Small.
Police are dusting the SUV for fingerprints and examining for DNA.
