Surveillance photo
A masked armed robber struck twice at businesses in Burholme last month. Police now hope that a member of the public will recognize the culprit from surveillance video of the crimes.
The first robbery occurred on Jan. 5 at 6:50 p.m. at Galaxy Smoke Shop, 7265 Rising Sun Ave., when the gunman pointed his weapon at a 45-year-old woman clerk and demanded money. He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen fleeing southbound on Rising Sun. A second similar hold-up occurred on Jan. 16 at 7:25 p.m. at AutoZone, 7350 Oxford Ave., when the robber confronted two employees including a man, 25, and woman, 27. The gunman fled in an unknown direction.
Police described the suspect as black, 6 feet tall, 300 pounds, with a black and white bandana covering his face, a gray hoodie with white stains on the front and sleeves, dark jeans with a light blue cord hanging from the back pocket and black shoes. He carried a black handgun. Visit the Philadelphia Police channel on YouTube.com to view surveillance video. Call 215–686-TIPS or text to PPD TIP to report information. ••
