A series of five robberies reported between January 17 and February 12 within blocks of one another in South Philadelphia has prompted a police warning and heightened awareness among residents in Bella Vista and Hawthorne.
Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department say the incidents may involve more than one group. According to police sources, the cases appear to follow two patterns: one group targeting e-bikes and another taking wallets and cash. Authorities describe the suspects as three Black men between 20 and 25 years old, dressed in black clothing. Officers are reviewing Ring camera footage connected to one of the robberies and have distributed flyers on cars throughout the neighborhood seeking information. Police have not said whether there are arrests or leads, and it is not known if the suspects are tied to other crimes in the area.
The first robbery occurred on January 17 at 1:45 a.m. along the 900 block of Washington Avenue. Police said three young men pushed a person off an electric bicycle and took the bike. The victim reported pain in his hand and knee.
The next incident happened on February 3 at 12:24 a.m. on the 1100 block of Carpenter Street. Officers said three men punched and kicked the victim, who suffered a possible concussion, before taking cash. Surveillance video from around midnight on February 2 shows three masked men walking along Carpenter Street shortly before that attack. Police confirmed the footage is part of the investigation.
Later on February 3, at 11:05 a.m., another robbery was reported on the 1100 block of South 10th Street. Police said three men punched and kicked a victim and stole both cash and an e-bike.
On February 11 at 12:03 a.m., a robbery took place on the 1100 block of Annin Street. Police said three men took a wallet containing credit cards and cash. During that incident, one suspect was riding a scooter, and another showed a handgun.
The most recent robbery was reported on February 12 at 10:48 a.m. at 10th and Reed. Police said three young men flashed a gun, kicked and punched the victim, and took an e-bike. In another account of that February 12 incident, police said three men pushed the victim from a bicycle, punched and kicked him, causing him to lose consciousness and suffer a possible concussion. The suspects took a wallet and cash.
In addition to those five robberies, residents described another violent encounter earlier in the month. On February 2, a restaurant worker leaving the Italian Market was attacked while waiting for a bus at 12th and Carpenter streets. Minutes earlier, surveillance cameras had captured three masked men walking nearby. Stephen Sandoval, a coworker of the victim, described what he was told.
“He was just going home. He was waiting for the bus. He was on 12th and Carpenter. And then he said three guys just came up to him, and then like they just beat him up,” Sandoval said.
The attackers took $5. Sandoval said the victim is on bed rest and might need stitches on his nose. Coworkers said he is now afraid to leave his home.
Residents also reported another mugging on February 10 in a park near 10th and Carpenter streets. Volunteers associated with Bardascino Park said they are in contact with neighbors who reached out to police about the incident.
As police continue their investigation, neighbors say they are adjusting routines and sharing information. Haley Taylor Simon said residents on her street know who has Ring cameras and that she contacted police the night of the February 2 assault after seeing three masked men. Nikki Rockwell said she believes the situation will not last long because word is spreading quickly.
Residents described personal concerns tied to daily life. Hilary Crowe said she worries about walking her son to and from school and picking him up, adding that she usually keeps her head on a swivel and will do so more now. Jennifer Hoerl, who moved from Virginia two months ago, said she is extra cautious as a single woman and feels somewhat more secure living in an apartment building, though she finds the incidents disturbing. Anthony Sylvester described the situation as scary and said people need to watch and be aware.
Jared Felderman, a six-year resident of the neighborhood, said assault is assault and that he and others are keeping their eyes out. He added that he has left his car unlocked many times, even with the sunroof down, without prior issues, and described Bella Vista and Hawthorne as a really good area where police presence and neighbors looking out for each other matter. Joe Manning said he and others who walk a puppy late at night had never experienced problems like this before and that the neighborhood is trying to work with police to stop the robberies.
Police are asking anyone with information or surveillance video connected to these incidents to contact South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or call 911.