PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia police are seeking three suspects in an alleged armed robbery at a North Philadelphia grocery store that left the owner injured and resulted in the theft of approximately $7,000.
Police said two suspects entered Diaz Grocery at 1501 N. 29th St. at about 4 p.m. Sept. 29 while a third suspect allegedly acted as a lookout outside.
According to investigators, the two suspects displayed handguns, announced a robbery and forced the victims into a rear stockroom, where they allegedly demanded access to a safe.
Police allege one of the suspects struck the store owner in the face with a handgun, causing a large laceration below the victim’s eye.
After allegedly failing to gain access to the safe, the suspects ransacked the store’s front point-of-sale area, according to police. Investigators said the suspects fled east on West Jefferson Street with the victim’s keys, cellphone, and approximately $7,000.
Police described the first suspect as a Black male believed to be 25 to 30 years old who was wearing a KMSL hooded sweatshirt and carrying a Sprayground backpack. Investigators said he was allegedly armed with a black handgun.
The second suspect was described as a Black male believed to be 17 to 20 years old with ear-length twists or braids and a black-and-white Spider-Man backpack. Police said he also was allegedly armed with a black handgun. Because the estimated age range includes 17, it is possible this unidentified suspect is a minor.
Police did not provide a description of the third suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Central Detective Division at 215-686-3047 or 215-686-3048 and reference case number DC 26-22-090301.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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