Robber who took ride on SEPTA bus charged in 5 heists

Police have identified the alleged robber who hitched a ride on a SEPTA bus after holding up a Northeast Philadelphia bank this week, and they said he is being charged in a series of robberies in the neighborhood.

Philadelphia police said 28-year-old Daniel Connelly is charged in five robberies, all of which took place in the Northeast between June 14 and Tuesday.

The Rhawnhurst resident was apprehended when he hopped on a SEPTA bus after holding up the Wells Fargo branch located at 9101 Roosevelt Blvd. at about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Connelly made off with a bag of money that contained a tracking device, and the tracking information led officers to a bus that was traveling south on Roosevelt Boulevard, police said.

Officers stopped the bus at Cottman Avenue and identified Connelly, who matched the description of the robber. He was taken into custody.

Police said this morning that Connelly is being charged with that heist, along with robberies at three other banks and a convenience store. Those incidents happened at the following locations:

- 3rd Federal Bank at 2601 Orthodox St. on June 14
- Republic Bank at 7300 Frankford Ave. on June 19
- Viriva Community Credit Union at 7346 Frankford Ave. on Tuesday
- Wawa at 6400 Torresdale Ave. on Tuesday

He is being charged with robbery and related offenses.