EXCLUSIVE: Police Searching For Robber Targeting Asian-owned Businesses In South Philly
By Elizabeth Hur
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Eyewitness News has exclusive video of a dangerous armed robbery suspect who police say has struck specific targets.
Authorities say the suspect is targeting Asian-owned businesses in South Philadelphia.
The video is dramatic and frightening. Not only does it show the business owner looking up and finding a gun pointing straight at him, but if you look closely, there's a young boy also inside when the gunman storms in.
Police say the exclusive surveillance video Eyewitness News obtained confirms their fear that the thief is dangerously bold and desperate -- and he is still out there.
"I couldn't sleep that night. I didn't want to fight -- I have kids and I have wife," Quang Lac said.
Lac says all he could think about was his family. So he complied, and the thief ran away with cash from his register.
It happened Monday at 9:30 p.m., and according to police, the South View Pizza owner was the suspect's most recent victim.
The first robbery linked to the suspect occurred on November 20 at around 10 p.m. at Terryin Restaurant in the 300 block of Snyder Avenue. Then, on November 30 at 8:30 p.m., police say the suspect robbed Lyn Grocery Store in the 2000 block of 4th Street. The next day, Terryin Restaurant was hit again around 9 p.m. Then South View Pizza in the 300 block of Durfor Street was hit Monday night at 9:30 p.m.
Ryan Zheng of Terryin Restaurant has installed new surveillance system as a result.
"This guy is crazy. I don't know if he will come back or not," Zheng said.
Based on the times, locations and the description of the suspect, police believe the same person is responsible for all four robberies.
The suspect is described as a black male, 5'8"-5'10" tall with a thin build. Each time, police say he came armed with a black handgun and was dressed in all black, including a black jacket with brown fur around its hood.
Police say they have increased patrols in the area. They are asking anyone with information to give them a call at (215) 686-TIPS or 8477.
