At approximately 4:50 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, a man carried out an armed robbery at a Sunoco gas station in the city’s Rhawnhurst section, and the entire incident was captured on CCTV.
The robbery occurred at the Sunoco on the 7200 block of Castor Avenue, and the case remains open as detectives work to identify the suspect and gather additional video evidence from the surrounding area.
Police say the incident began when the employee asked the man to leave after observing behavior that raised concern. The suspect then pulled out a handgun and directed it at the worker, warning that he would shoot if his demands were ignored.
The surveillance video, released publicly by investigators, shows the man entering the store with his face visible.
The CCTV shows the suspect moving toward the counter while holding the handgun in his right hand. After the employee opened the register, the suspect took cash, placed it directly into his pockets, and then reached behind the counter and took multiple packs of cigarettes. Throughout the encounter, the employee remained still and followed the suspect’s commands, a response police recommend when a firearm is involved.
After the robbery, the man fled southbound on Castor Avenue. Officers arrived shortly after the employee called 911 and began canvassing the surrounding blocks for additional surveillance footage. Police checked nearby storefronts, homes equipped with doorbell cameras, and other privately owned systems that might have captured the suspect’s path after he left the area. Detectives have not yet confirmed whether additional footage has provided new leads, but the search for such evidence remains active.
Investigators released a detailed description of the suspect based on the surveillance video. He is described as having a medium complexion, standing about five-foot-four, wearing all black clothing, and weighing roughly 150 pounds. As his face is clearly shown in the footage, detectives say this level of visibility often increases the chance that someone in the community will recognize the individual, either through facial features, physical build, or the way he moves.
The robbery took place during a period when Philadelphia was experiencing an overall decline in robbery and violent crime. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, “Robbery / Gun” incidents total 1,242 this year, down from 1,448 last year — a decrease of about 14.2%. Non-gun robberies also show a similar decline, with 2,170 “Robbery / Other” incidents reported so far this year compared to 2,364 at this time last year, an 8.2% reduction. As a whole, violent crime in the city is down approximately 11% when comparing the most recent 28-day period with the prior one.
Law enforcement agencies across the country encourage late-night and early-morning businesses to take steps that support safety and improve their ability to respond if a crime occurs. The precautions include maintaining clear, unobstructed windows that allow visibility into the store, using bright exterior lighting to reduce concealment opportunities, and keeping functional and high-quality surveillance systems operating at all times. Businesses are also advised to restrict the amount of cash available in registers during overnight hours, storing larger amounts in secured drop safes that employees cannot access quickly.
The investigation now depends heavily on community involvement. Detectives are urging residents to review the surveillance images and report any information that could assist in identifying the suspect.
Anyone who recognizes the man or has relevant details is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or 215-686-3154.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the department’s Tip Line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
