W. Phila. deli owner is shot outside Cheltenham bank

Police in Cheltenham are searching for three men in an armed robbery and shooting of a West Philadelphia deli owner outside a Cheltenham bank.

Around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to the Woori America Bank, on Front Street near Cheltenham Avenue in Melrose Park, and found Peter Ly, 55, with gunshot wounds in his legs.

Ly owns the Rainbow Deli, under the El tracks on Market Street near 52nd.

Police said Ly parked his car and began walking toward the bank when a black Volvo S60 with tinted windows cut him off.

Ly was forced into the car and was shot in his legs. Police were unsure how many times he was wounded.

The men pushed Ly from the car and fled with a large amount of cash, police said.

Ly stumbled into the bank and was taken to the Albert Einstein Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. Information on his condition was not available early Wednesday.

Tipsters are asked to call Cheltenham Police Detectives at 215-885-1600, Ext. 499.