PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia police are seeking the public’s help identifying a man accused of implying he was armed while leaving a South Philadelphia supermarket with unpaid merchandise.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. July 14 at the Giant supermarket at 1001 S. Broad St.
Police allege the suspect entered the store, selected a bottle of body wash from the Health & Beauty aisle and placed it inside a backpack. After the suspect passed all points of sale without paying, store security confronted him near the exit, investigators said.
According to police, the suspect then placed his hand inside his backpack and insinuated that he was carrying a firearm before leaving the store with the merchandise.
Investigators released surveillance images of the suspect and are asking anyone who recognizes him or has information about the incident to come forward.
Police advised members of the public not to approach the suspect. Anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the South Detective Division at 215-686-3013 or 215-686-3014, or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477). The investigation is being conducted under case number DC 26-03-032408.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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