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Police: Manhunt Underway For Serial Armed Robber In West Philadelphia

By Walt Hunter

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A manhunt is underway for an armed robber who has struck 10 times since the beginning of October bringing fear to a West Philadelphia neighborhood.

Lt. John Walker, who heads the Special Investigations Unit of Southwest Detectives, says the gunman has struck at all hours in an area bounded by 46th and 50th Streets, Warrington Avenue and Spruce Street.

Lt.Walker says the victims have been males, females and couples, robbed, in each case, by the predator who approaches, demands money, then pulls a weapon. So far no one has been hurt, but the Lieutenant says in two of the robberies the gunman, after getting money, tried unsuccessfully to drag female victims away.

Police hope surveillance video of the robber, just before an October robbery in the 5000 block of Hazel Avenue, will help identify him.

Anyone with information should call Southwest Detectives or dial 215-546-TIPS.

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