Upper Darby cops hunt for knife-wielding robber
UPPER DARBY » Police are asking the public to help identify a man wanted in two armed robberies of local merchants within the last week.
Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood said the first robbery occurred at about 8 p.m. at the SMS Convenience Store at 157 Long Lane. The suspect, wearing brownish Muslim garb covering his face and head, entered the store and pulled out a knife, then kicked in a door separating the owner from the general public and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot with $500 in cash, said Chitwood.
The second robbery took place at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the S&L Grocery Store at 794 Garrett Road. Chitwood said the suspect in that robbery also had a knife and wore Muslim robes and head dress obscuring his identity.
“Same exact MO, same exact clothing,” said Chitwood. “He beats up the store employee, makes him fill up the bag with money and then he takes an unknown amount of cash and lottery tickets.”
But when the suspect stepped outside after the second robbery, Chitwood said he removed his head covering, allowing a video camera on the street to capture his face.
“This guy is violent,” said Chitwood. “You can see his propensity for violence.”
The suspect is described as a tall, slender black male standing about 6 feet 2 in inchers with a goatee. Anyone with information should call the anonymous tip line at 610 734 3439 or email passcrimetips@udpd.org.