PHILADELPHIA, PA — Police are searching for two suspects accused of threatening a store employee and forcing gift card transactions during a robbery in Northeast Philadelphia, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Authorities reported that officers responded around 12:20 p.m. April 11 to the Dollar General at 9741 Oxford Avenue for a reported robbery.
According to investigators, two unidentified men entered the store while an employee was working alone behind the counter.
Police stated that one suspect initially attempted to load funds onto a gift card using a barcode displayed on a phone, but the transaction failed.
According to police, the suspect then allegedly leaned over the counter and claimed to have a firearm while demanding compliance from the employee.
Investigators reported that the suspects allegedly directed the employee to manually process gift card transactions through the register. Police said the employee complied, completing two transactions of $500 each, totaling $1,000.
According to authorities, the employee attempted to delay the suspects as additional customers entered the store.
Police reported that the suspects then fled the location and left the area in a white vehicle parked in front of the business.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or 215-686-3154 and reference DC 26-02-017864.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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