PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia police are asking for the public’s help after a series of armed robberies across the city involving suspects who allegedly used handguns equipped with laser sights.

Police said there have been eight armed robberies since Oct. 2 involving a group of suspects. Authorities said the incidents have involved as many as five people.

Surveillance video from one robbery shows a blue laser as suspects robbed two women on the 1900 block of North 16th Street near Temple University’s campus.

Captain Jason Smith described the suspects’ actions during a news conference on Wednesday.

“They make a beeline. They run at them like maniacs. Produced their handguns, pointing at their faces,” Smith said.

Smith said police are concerned the violence could escalate.

“The way these suspects are acting, its only a matter of time before something really bad happens,” Smith said.

Police said that on Oct. 4, suspects targeted a man outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City, throwing him to the ground and taking his belongings.

Authorities also said a couple on the 400 block of Spring Garden Street was robbed, with bags and wallets taken during the incident.

Residents are concerned about the crimes and shocked by the surveillance footage.

“How scary it is and how quick someone can just come through and grab somebody’s stuff like that is really scary,” said Taya Yarco of West Philadelphia.

Police said the robberies are similar to armed robberies reported in August that involved masked men and AR-style rifles, but investigators have not determined whether the cases are connected.

Authorities said a stolen vehicle linked to the robberies has been recovered and is being processed. Investigators are also searching for a red Honda believed to be connected to the incidents.

“I’m hoping they get caught, absolutely,” Yarco said.

Police said the most recent robbery involved as many as five suspects. The investigation remains ongoing.

The locations of the robberies are:

Sunday, Oct. 4

-400 Spring Garden St. at 4:18 a.m.

-1900 Arch St. at 5:30 a.m.

-2222 Green St. at 5:35 a.m.

-1300 N Broad St. at 5:56 a.m.

-1900 N 16th St. at 6:03 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

-700 N. 27th St. at 5:40 a.m.

-1900 W Norris St. at 6:23 a.m.

Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.

Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.