Victim Speaks After Violent Attack Inside Germantown Restaurant
By Jericka Duncan and Todd Quinones
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia police are searching for two suspects who were caught on tape violently attacking and robbing an elderly man inside a restaurant late last week.
The attack happened at about 5:30 p.m. on June 29th inside First Wok restaurant located on W. Chelten Avenue in the city's Germantown section.
The video shows the 72-year-old male victim, who we are not identifying, enter the store and approach the counter to pick-up his order.
As the victim was waiting at the counter, two males, who police believe may be as young as 14 years old, entered the restaurant and acted as if they were customers.
A short time later, one of the suspects stood next to the victim and without warning, threw a blind-sided punch that struck the elderly man in the face. The victim immediately fell to the ground.
While the victim was on the ground, the same suspect stole the victim's wallet and both suspects then ran out of the store.
As a former police officer from Barbados, the victim contends he was disgusted by what he saw when he viewed this surveillance video.
"I cannot tell you, honest to God. If I tell you I may get charged for that," he said. "I believe that is the height of ignorance."
Patrons at the restaurant on Monday were also disgusted with the attack.
"It's so ridiculous to see this happen in our neighborhood," said Margaret Mack. "I'm so sorry that happened to him."
"I worry about things like that. In the daytime too," said Joe King. "I go to certain stores, certain times, certain places."
Philadelphia Police Lietenant Ray Evers says officers will be patrolling the area more closely.
The first suspect is described as a black male with short hair and a thin build. He was wearing a gray tank-top with blue shorts and blue sneakers. This is the suspect who punched the victim and stole his wallet.
The second suspect is described as a black male with short hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt with light blue shorts and black and white sneakers.
Anyone with information on the suspects is urged to call 911 or 215-686-TIPS (8477).
