Philadelphia police search for suspect in series of armed robberies

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania— The Philadelphia Police Department’s Eastern Detective Division is urgently seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in multiple armed robberies targeting commercial establishments.

Incident #1: On May 24, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m., police were called to a restaurant located in the 400 block of W. Girard Avenue in the 26th Ward for a report of a theft. A 39-year-old employee said the offender jumped over the counter, brandished a gun and demanded money. Although he had the gun ready and pointed at her, he fled on foot before police arrived without taking anything.

Incident #2: On May 29, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the same suspect allegedly struck again, this time in the 2700 block of E. Clearfield Street. Upon entering a business, he presented an online order to the cashier, then drew a gun when the employee turned away. He gathered three employees, then two customers who entered during the theft, at the back of the store. He asked everyone to lie down on the floor and asked an employee to take money from the register. After searching and stealing the individuals’ phones, an altercation with a customer led to an escape and a call to 911. The suspect fled with approximately $1,000 and an employee’s cell phone, which was later recovered abandoned on the corner of Westmoreland and Webb streets.

Philadelphia police are circulating surveillance footage and descriptions of suspects from both incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Eastern Detective Division. The department emphasizes the urgency of capturing this armed and dangerous individual to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the community.

BAYVILLE, New Jersey— A vehicle fire on May 28, 2024 resulted in the temporary closure of Forest Hills Parkway, involving local emergency services. Patrolman Kyle Slocum and Lt. Brian Woermer were the first to respond to the incident near the area of ​​Forest Hills Parkway.

The Bayville Fire Department quickly arrived on scene and was able to extinguish the fire that had engulfed a silver 2015 Acura TLX. According to the driver, the vehicle began emitting black smoke from the engine after a malfunction. brake. She was able to stop the car and get out safely before the fire intensified.

Detectives Michael Tier and Joseph Santoro conducted a follow-up investigation, which concluded there was nothing suspicious about the incident. The promenade was closed for approximately an hour to manage the situation and ensure public safety.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the driver of the Acura was unhurt. The incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and rapid response by emergency services.

The above incident is not recent, but was recently announced by the Berkeley Township Police Department.

MANASSAS, VA – Late Saturday evening, police responded to a domestic dispute at the Westgate Apartments on Ashland Ave. The incident escalated from a verbal altercation to an alleged kidnapping involving a 22-year-old woman and Abner Edgardo De Lao.

During the altercation, De Lao briefly grabbed the woman’s wrist and then prevented her from leaving by getting into his vehicle. Police encountered De Lao actively resisting arrest in the parking lot, but he was arrested without further incident.

De Lao, 23, faces charges of kidnapping, domestic violence and obstruction of justice. He is currently being held without bail and his court date is pending. No injuries were reported following the incident.

WOODBRIDGE, Virginia – An armed robbery occurred in Potomac Mills Thursday afternoon, prompting police to respond. The victim, a 16-year-old man, and two teenage girls were in a public restroom at the time of the theft.

During the incident, one of the teenage girls allowed two men into the toilet. One of these men then overpowered the victim and brandished a firearm, subsequently robbing him of his property. The victim managed to escape and alerted the authorities.

Police managed to recover all of the stolen items except for a pair of shoes. It is believed that everyone involved knew each other, indicating that the theft was not a random act. No charges have been filed at this time.

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ— A recent arrest made by Berkeley Township police highlights continued efforts by law enforcement to deal with public drunkenness and related offenses. On May 2, 2024, several officers responded to a call regarding an intoxicated man outside the Spirits store at 437 Rt. 9.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Antonio Jimenez, a 39-year-old Lakewood man, visibly intoxicated and consuming alcohol outside the store. Jimenez initially provided false information to the officers, complicating the interaction.

After further investigation, Jimenez was identified and transported to police headquarters. There he was tried and charged with hindering apprehension. He also received a special summons for possessing an open container of alcohol in public.

It was discovered during processing that Jimenez had an outstanding arrest warrant from Howell Township in the amount of $1,500, also for hindering apprehension. He was then transferred to Howell Township Police without further incident.

WOODBRIDGE, Virginia – Police were called to the Woodbridge Station Apartments Wednesday afternoon to resolve a domestic dispute that escalated into an alleged kidnapping. The incident involved a 22-year-old woman and Jamari Ankrah, who police identified as the accused.

During the altercation, Ankrah allegedly punched the woman and prevented her from leaving the room. When a 33-year-old female family member tried to intervene, Ankrah brandished a gun before leaving the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

As a result of the investigation, authorities issued arrest warrants for Ankrah, charging him with one count of kidnapping, two counts of brandishing a firearm and one count of assault. fact and domestic battery. Police efforts to locate Ankrah, described as a 23-year-old black man with black hair and brown eyes, weighing approximately 150 pounds and standing 5’9″, have so far been unsuccessful.