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Homeowner Pistol Whipped In Rhawnhurst Robbery

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police say one man was behind a pair of violent robberies in Northeast Philadelphia last night.

The gunman first struck with a home invasion.

Police say a 19-year-old man broke into a house on Oakmont Street, just off Castor Avenue in the Rhawnhurst section of the city.

Police say he then got into a struggle with the 53-year-old homeowner, fired his gun into the floor and pistol whipped the victim.

He then fled the scene with a laptop and prescription drugs.

Police would find the 19-year-old, and investigators say when officers were chasing him, he was throwing items as he ran: the laptop, some identification and a purse.

Police arrested him and Chief Inspector Scott Small says they found out what he did after the home invasion.

"A 28-year-old female called 911 and reported she was robbed, point of gun, of her purse."

Small says he was identified by each of his victims and will be charged for both crimes.

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