Police release video of dollar-store duke-out

Police released a surveillance video yesterday of a strong-arm robbery at a Dollar Plus store in North Philadelphia that turned into a fistfight, and then a desperate attempt by the perpetrator to flee.

The robbery happened about 5:35 p.m. Friday at the Dollar Plus at 2300 N. Broad St., according to Lt. James Farmbry of Central Detectives. The robber demanded money with a note and the store owner turned over some cash. The robber then jumped the counter and took more money from the cash drawer, Farmbry said.

The owner reached under the counter to trip an automatic lock on the front door that trapped the thief as he tried to leave, Farmbry said. That's when an employee confronted the robber and started throwing punches. The robber ran through several aisles trying to flee and was able to get away only after the owner opened the front door. Police said he got away with about $100.

Anyone with information or who can identify the robber is asked to call police at 215-686-8477.

- Barbara Boyer