PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Police Department is currently investigating a series of five highway robberies that have taken place over the past few days. In each incident, the alleged offenders wielded a hammer as a weapon, wore similar clothing, and fled in a white Acura vehicle bearing a New Jersey temporary tag, number 7843743T.
The first incident took place on December 20, 2023, at the Fox Chase playground where a 13-year-old boy was assaulted and robbed by four masked males, one of whom displayed a handgun. The suspects allegedly stole the victim’s hoodie and sneakers before physically assaulting him with a hammer and their fists. The suspects are described as three black males and one white male, all between the ages of 13 and 16.
Later that day, another robbery occurred at Adams & Rising Sun Avenues. The victim was accosted while waiting for the bus by two suspects who demanded his belongings. After the victim complied, one suspect displayed a hammer. The suspects were described as two black males, one wearing a red hoodie and the other, a purple one.
On December 21, 2023, a third incident took place on the 5700 block of Rising Sun Avenue. The victim was knocked to the ground and his sneakers were stolen. One of the suspects pulled out a small sledgehammer, and the group then fled in a white Acura MDX. The police located the vehicle but subsequently lost track of it in the area of 7th & Lehigh. The suspects included a mix of black and white males and females.
The fourth incident happened on the same day at 20th St and Cheltenham Ave. The victim was approached by three unknown black males demanding his sneakers. One of the suspects hit him in the head with a hammer in an unsuccessful attempt to steal his shoes. The victim sustained a laceration to the right side of his head.
The fifth and most recent incident occurred at Krewstown & Surrey Roads. The victim was attacked by six to seven suspects all wearing black Nike ski masks. The group assaulted the victim with kicks, punches, and a hammer, stealing his bicycle and shoes. The suspects fled in a red or orange Kia SUV, and the victim reported a white SUV following him before the robbery, suggesting it may be linked to the suspects.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about these robberies to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigations.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change as more details may emerge. It’s important to understand that the presence of information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest does not automatically indicate guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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