Armed robbers closed 2014 with a flourish in Frankford as they tallied at least a dozen stickups during the final 10 days of the year, mostly in the area of SEPTA Frankford Transportation Center.
Four of the crimes were reported on Dec. 22, followed by three on Christmas Eve, another on Dec. 26, two more on Dec. 27, one on Dec. 28 and one on New Year’s Eve, authorities say. Police have arrested one alleged gunman, but others likely remain at large, according to Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum of Northeast Detectives. Most of the crimes have involved multiple masked robbers working in tandem.
The crooks have targeted both men and women but seem to prefer people who are walking alone. No serious injuries have been reported, but in a few cases the thugs used handguns to beat victims in the head and face. Mainly, the robbers have stolen pocketbooks, purses, wallets, cell phones, IDs, credit cards, keys and cash.
Seven of the crimes occurred on Penn Street between Dyre and Van Kirk streets, while two occurred on the 1600 block of E. Cheltenham Ave. Other locations included the 2000 block of Robbins Ave., the 5300 block of Horrocks St. and the 5100 block of Duffield St. Several crimes occurred between 5 and 7 a.m., while others occurred during late morning and early afternoon, with others between 10 and 11 p.m.
In each case, victims described their attackers as black males in their late teens or early 20s. All but one victim described them as standing less than 6 feet tall. Darnell Johnson, 16, of the 4800 block of Mulberry St., was arrested in connection with a Dec. 26 robbery on the 5100 block of Penn St., but he has not been implicated in the other crimes, at least four of which occurred after Johnson’s capture.
Call Northeast Detectives at 215–686–3153 to report information. ••
