PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Philadelphia police are investigating a second confirmed robbery in less than a week involving suspects accused of displaying an AR-15-style weapon during a late-night attack in Center City.
The latest robbery happened around 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 28 along the 1500 block of Sansom Street, police said.
A 23-year-old man and two friends were walking home when they approached their residence and were confronted by two masked men.
According to investigators, the suspects emerged from a light-colored sedan with tinted windows and immediately displayed weapons.
Police said one suspect was carrying what appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle, while the second suspect had a black semi-automatic handgun.
Suspects Demand Gold Chains and Diamond Watch
The armed suspects allegedly targeted one of the men and demanded his valuables.
According to police, the suspects removed two gold chains from the victim’s neck before demanding that he hand over his silver diamond watch.
After taking the items, the two men returned to their vehicle and reportedly drove westbound on Sansom Street.
Investigators are now working to identify the masked suspects and determine whether they may be connected to other recent robberies in the area.
The presence of an apparent rifle has added concern to the investigation, particularly because police say a similar weapon was involved in another robbery just days earlier.
Earlier Locust Street Robbery Involved Three Armed Men
The Sansom Street incident came less than one week after another violent robbery on the 1500 block of Locust Street.
Police said that robbery happened around 3 a.m. on Aug. 23, when three people were approached by three masked men.
According to investigators, two suspects were carrying handguns, while a third had what appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle.
The suspects allegedly ordered the three victims to the ground and demanded their belongings.
Two victims complied, but police said at least one suspect pistol-whipped a third victim in the face during the robbery.
The suspects then allegedly took several personal items, including cellphones, watches, car keys, wallets, driver’s licenses and an undisclosed amount of money.
Gray Honda Accord Used in Earlier Attack
After the Locust Street robbery, police said the suspects fled eastbound in a gray Honda Accord.
Investigators said a fourth suspect, believed to be the driver, remained inside the vehicle during the robbery.
Part of the incident was also captured on video by a witness. The witness later posted the footage on social media, potentially giving investigators additional evidence as they work to identify those involved.
The similarities between the two cases, including masked suspects and the reported presence of an AR-15-style weapon, have drawn attention as police investigate the separate incidents.
However, authorities have not publicly confirmed that the suspects in the two robberies are connected.
Philadelphia Police Ask Public for Information
Philadelphia police are asking anyone who may have information about either robbery or the suspects involved to come forward.
Tipsters can contact Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit information online. Police said tipsters can remain anonymous.
Investigators are particularly interested in information that could help identify the suspects, their vehicles or establish what happened before and after the robberies.
For residents and visitors in Center City, the two incidents have raised concerns about late-night safety, but authorities continue to investigate the cases separately while looking for leads.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators rather than approach any suspected individuals themselves.
What do you think about these recent armed robberies in Center City? Share your thoughts in the comments.
