Cops seek W. Phila. man in shootings, robberies

Eric Charlton is the type of guy who turns to his friends when he needs a quick cash fix.

The problem, cops said, is his approach. Twice in the past month, Charlton has shot and robbed two of his associates while stalking around West Philly, high on cocaine, according to investigators.

Charlton - who has a criminal history that already includes more than a dozen arrests - is wanted on multiple counts of attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault and weapons violations.

Police said Charlton, 34, of West Philadelphia, struck most recently on Nov. 29, when he broke into a home on Race Street near 58th.

When a 30-year-old man whom Charlton knew walked through the door shortly after 4 p.m., Charlton opened fire, wounding the man once in the back.

Investigators said Charlton robbed the victim, whose name was not released because he's a witness, while two women who were also inside the home begged Charlton not to shoot again.

The victim was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in critical condition but survived his wound.

The victim and the two female witnesses positively identified Charlton as the shooter, referring to him by his street nickname, "E," investigators said.

Charlton pulled off a more-daring daylight heist on Nov. 19, according to a police report obtained by the Daily News.

About 10:20 in the morning, Charlton was sitting in a car with two other men on 50th Street near Girard Avenue.

Charlton got out of the car but stopped to have a few words with a 45-year-old man who was sitting in the driver's seat.

He then reached back into the car, said, "Give me that money," and pulled $110 out of the man's pockets, according to the report. Charlton then opened fire, wounding the man in the right thigh.

The victim, whose name was withheld because he is also a witness, was treated at Mercy Hospital and released. The victim also positively identified Charlton as the shooter, the report shows.

Investigators said Charlton was high on cocaine when he committed both shootings, and they believe he is still armed and dangerous. Tipsters are asked to call Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183 or -3184.