Police release video of shooter in W. Phila. robbery

Police released surveillance footage yesterday of the shooting of a West Philadelphia bodega clerk May 12 and asked for the public's help in identifying the gunman.

The 35-year-old clerk, who worked at the Ventura Papi store on 58th Street and Washington Avenue, was shot in the back and an arm during a robbery. He remained in critical condition at Hahnemann University Hospital under heavy sedation, and police had not yet been able to interview him.

The footage shows the robber, who looks about 20 to 25 years old and wore a black Phillies cap and a tan jacket, entering the store shortly before 8:30 p.m.

The gunman was a regular customer who probably lives in the neighborhood, Lt. John Walker said. Police believe the man chose a time when he knew the store would not be busy.

The man asked the victim where to find laundry detergent and then fired a 22-caliber handgun as the clerk led the way to the back of the store, police said.

"He doesn't even announce the robbery," Walker said. "He just walks this guy back there and executes him, basically."

The footage shows the gunman running back to the front of the store, kicking open the Plexiglas door to the area behind the counter, then fleeing. He took an unknown amount of cash from the register, police said.

A female store employee was behind the counter when the man burst in but did not see his face, Walker said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 911 or 215-686-3183.