Corey Lockhart
An alert officer from the 15th Police District captured two men who are responsible for at least 11 armed robberies of convenience stores, pizza parlors and other businesses in the Northeast since mid-August, authorities say. And the number of hold-ups tied into the case could still grow, although the primary suspects are now behind bars.
Capt. Shawn Trush of Northeast Detectives identified the alleged bandits as Patrick Rowe, 29, of the 6300 block of Algard St. in Wissinoming, and Jian Chen, 27, of the 3500 block of Aldine St. in Mayfair. Police arrested both during a car stop early Friday, along with Corey Lockhart, 25, also of the 6300 block of Algard St., who was not charged with any of the robberies.
A 15th district cop was on patrol at about 2:23 a.m. on the 5700 block of Harbison Ave. when he spotted a silver 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse that matched the description of a vehicle believed to be connected to the string of armed robberies. When the officer stopped the car for investigation, he noticed that the front-seat passenger (Rowe) matched descriptions of a man involved in the recent robberies. Chen is the registered owner of the car.
After obtaining search warrants, police found a silver .45-caliber handgun in the backseat of the car, along with a black BB gun, a black half-mask, a black hoodie and a black scarf. They also recovered two rifles, two silver handguns, a ballistic vest and clothing evidence from Chen’s residence, as well as ammunition and clothing evidence from Lockhart’s home.
Authorities are using video surveillance evidence, along with the recovered items and witness descriptions to charge Rowe and Chen with 11 armed robberies since mid-August. Police did not disclose the amount of money taken in the crimes.
Rowe and Chen remain suspects in at least three more hold-ups, according to Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum of Northeast Detectives, while investigators have removed two other similar crimes from a previously released list of robberies attributed to the men.
Rowe and Chen are charged with robbing Pizza Hut at 6613 Frankford Ave. on Aug. 20, Red Robin at 6330 Frankford Ave. on Aug. 22, 7-Eleven at 1435 Cottman Ave. on Sept. 11, 7-Eleven at 2634 Bridge St. on Sept. 18, 7-Eleven at 7901 Frankford Ave. on Sept. 20, 7-Eleven at 6622 Rising Sun Ave. on Sept. 24, 7-Eleven at 2981 Welsh Road on Sept. 28, Italiano’s Pizza at 5938 Erdrick St. on Sept. 29, Pizza City at 7129 Frankford Ave. on Oct. 2, Andrea’s Place at 7701 Walker St. on Oct. 7 and Wawa at 801 Cottman Ave. on Oct. 10. They remain suspects in the robberies of Beer Box at 3350 Grant Ave. on Aug. 16, Frostee’s Beverages at 8425 Frankford Ave. on Aug. 23 and Harrison’s Tavern at 6378 Torresdale Ave. on Oct. 6.
Police believe other crooks are responsible for robberies of 7-Eleven at 6919 Torresdale Ave. on Sept. 25 and Wawa at 6400 Torresdale Ave. on Oct. 1.
Chen has one prior arrest for driving with an expired registration sticker, while Rowe has eight priors for robbery and drug offenses, police said.
Lockhart was charged with weapons violations in connection with Friday’s car stop. He has two prior arrests for theft, police said. ••
Jian Chen
Patrick Rowe
