‘One-man crime wave’ busted in Upper Darby heists
UPPER DARBY » A Philadelphia man questioned by detectives throughout Thursday afternoon was ultimately charged in two armed robberies in the township, including a holdup at the Health Plus Pharmacy a short time prior to his apprehension, Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said Thursday night.
Arrested was Charles Edwards, 55, of the 5600 block of Florence Avenue, according to Chitwood.
It was about 12:30 p.m. Thursday when a suspect entered the pharmacy at 8441 West Chester Pike, produced a knife and announced a holdup, according to Chitwood. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
“When he flees, a witness across the street sees the whole thing,” Chitwood said.
According to Chitwood, the witness saw the suspect drive off in a sport utility vehicle, a description of which he provided to responding Officer Amanda Shephard.
Shephard immediately broadcast a description of the getaway vehicle, which township Detective Sgt. Philip Lydon and Detective Francis George saw as they were pulling out of police headquarters onto West Chester Pike.
“They see the van and give chase,” Chitwood said.
Stopped in traffic in the 6800 block of Market Street, the driver bailed from the van and started to run. Chitwood said the suspect got about as far as a half block when he was tackled by George and Lydon.
“We have the knife, and the money from the pharmacy,” Chitwood said.
Edwards is also facing charges in the May 9 robbery at Rainbow Flowers on Garrett Road, according to Chitwood.
Additionally, Edwards is being eyed as a suspect in similar incidents in Springfield, Clifton and Lansdowne, Chitwood said.
Chitwood praised the combined efforts of law enforcement for Edwards’ swift apprehension on Thursday.
“This guy is a one-man crime wave,” he said.