Suspect robs two stores, assaults cop
An Academy Gardens man used a crowbar to rob two Northeast convenience stores early last Sunday before he assaulted a police officer in a failed attempt to escape capture, Philadelphia police say.
Chance Tarpy, 41, of the 3400 block of Eden St., allegedly robbed the 7-Eleven at 1435 Cottman Ave. at 2:26 a.m., as well as the Wawa at 8152 Castor Ave. at 3:16 a.m. In each case, he allegedly threatened a clerk with the sharp iron tool, grabbed hundreds of dollars from a cash register and fled. He also stole numerous cartons of cigarettes in each case, police said.
After the second hold-up, witnesses chased the robber briefly on foot and saw him approaching a getaway vehicle driven by a suspected accomplice. But the vehicle sped away without the robber.
At about 4 a.m., a police lieutenant spotted a man fitting the robber’s description on foot near Summerdale Avenue and Tustin Street. When the officer stopped the man for questioning, a struggle occurred. The suspect allegedly struck the cop and pushed him to the ground, causing him to injure his leg. Backups officers captured Tarpy a short time later on the 1800 block of Bergen St. The injured officer was treated at a local hospital and released that morning.
Authorities charged Tarpy with both robberies, as well as another that occurred on Feb. 28 at Wawa, 9201 Frankford Ave. He was also charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and related crimes. ••
