Video: Man uses banana to rob West Philadelphia corner store
Police are looking for a man who was caught on camera Tuesday morning robbing a West Philadelphia corner store with a banana tucked inside his sweatshirt.
Police are looking for a man who was caught on camera Tuesday morning robbing a West Philadelphia corner store with a banana tucked inside his sweatshirt.
A 24-year-old woman who was working behind the counter of Tejada Grocery, located at 3874 Poplar St., told investigators that the unknown man approached her shortly after 9:15 a.m. and demanded money and cigarettes.
The suspect held his right hand inside his sweatshirt, acting as though he had a handgun in his pocket, the woman told police.
After watching store surveillance video, investigators determined the man actually picked up a banana from the counter and stuffed it inside his shirt, simulating a weapon, police said.
He fled on a bicycle after taking an undetermined amount of cash and was last seen riding on 40th Street toward Wyalusing Avenue.
The suspect is described as a 5-foot-9-inch- to 5-foot-11-inch-tall, thin black male weighing about 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing black pants and a tan hooded sweatshirt with "Pacific Coast Hollister 19" written on the front in red lettering, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Maloney, of the East Detective Division, at 215-686-3183 or 3184, or to submit an anonymous tip by dialing 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).