Surveillance photo
Police are trying to identify at least four young hoodlums who violently attacked a Castor Gardens shop owner after the proprietor refused to buy a watch from them.
The beating occurred on Feb. 8 inside the 3 in 1 Variety store at 6731 Castor Ave. Four or five men in their late teens or early 20s entered the store at about 3:54 p.m. and tried to persuade the owner, 66, to buy a wristwatch from them. When he declined, the men turned violent.
One of the intruders climbed over the counter, while another cornered the owner from behind. The victim was struck in the head with an unknown object, then stabbed repeatedly in the chest and stomach. He was able to escape their clutches momentarily, then chase them away as they attempted to shatter a display case.
The robbers were last seen on Castor Avenue fleeing in an unknown direction. The shop owner was treated at Aria Health-Torresdale.
All four crooks were described as black and 18 to 20 years old. One wore a red hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black sneakers. Another wore a black puffy coat and possibly red sneakers. Another wore a blue hooded sweatshirt. The fourth wore a gray hooded sweatshirt.
Visit the Philadelphia Police channel on YouTube.com to view the surveillance video. Call 215–686-TIPS or text to PPDTIP to report information. ••
