Neighbors in South Philadelphia say a recent wave of muggings has left many residents shaken, including one man who was beaten while waiting for a bus earlier this month.
Police sources tell Action News the incidents appear to follow two distinct patterns, and they believe two separate groups may be targeting the neighborhood.
Surveillance video from a nearby home shows three masked men in dark clothing walking along Carpenter Street shortly before midnight on Feb. 2. Minutes later, a restaurant worker heading home from the Italian Market was attacked at 12th and Carpenter, according to his coworker, Stephen Sandoval.
“He was just going home, he was waiting for the bus, he was on 12th and Carpenter. He said three guys just came up to him and they just like beat him up,” Sandoval said.
Sandoval said the attackers stole only the $5 the victim had with him. The man is now afraid to leave his home, he said.
“He’s on bed rest. He might need stitches on his nose,” Sandoval said.
Philadelphia police say at least five muggings have been reported from January 17 to February 12. Police confirmed the Feb. 2 surveillance footage is part of their ongoing investigation. Sources say one group appears to be targeting e-bikes, while another is stealing wallets.
Neighbors say another incident occurred Feb. 10 in a park at 10th and Carpenter. Volunteers for Bardascino Park say they are communicating with residents who have contacted police.
“Whatever’s happening, I don’t think it’s going to be something that lasts too long because the word is spreading fast,” said Nikki Rockwell, a South Philadelphia dog walker.
“This is South Philly, we’re all a family here. We all know who has the Ring cameras and this whole street we have the cameras, and we know who you are,” said Bella Vista resident Haley Taylor Simon.
Simon said she reported suspicious activity to police on the night of the Feb. 2 attack, describing three masked men minutes before the assault.
“At the end of the day, if you’re going to continue to do this, somebody’s gonna fight back, and you don’t know who,” she said.
Residents say they are working to set up a meeting with police in the district to discuss the recent incidents and safety concerns.