LATEST: Multiple stores looted in Philadelphia overnight Wednesday into Thursday as police crack down
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Multiple groups of looters hit retail stores and at least one small business in different Philadelphia neighborhoods Tuesday night. Police made multiple arrests and recovered stolen merchandise in some of the incidents.
Much of the activity was focused in Center City, but there was also looting in North Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia.
In Center City, groups of predominantly young people looted several stores, and an assault was reported at a Foot Locker.
CBS Philadelphia was present where a large roving group looted several stores, including the Foot Locker and Apple Store.
Along with the store looting, a security guard was assaulted at the Foot Locker.
Our cameras also captured looting at the nearby Lululemon store in Rittenhouse Square.
Police estimate that approximately 100 juveniles were involved in the looting in Center City, and about 15-20 have been arrested.
The looting was not limited to Center City – stores in North Philadelphia were also affected, including Patriot Pharmacy.
The pharmacy owner stated that the looters used a pickaxe to break through the acrylic glass and steal items.
“It’s a bit disappointing,” owner Benjamin Nachum said. “This is the third time we got looted. I just wish that people understood we’re actually trying to serve the community and maybe just let it go.”
The pharmacy’s safe was effective, and no narcotics were taken.
There was also looting in Northeast Philadelphia. Chopper 3 captured the scene at a Gamestop on Aramingo Avenue, where someone was arrested.
Officers also discovered a car filled with what appeared to be stolen items from a nearby Aldi grocery store.
Thieves attempted to break into a Curaleaf medical marijuana dispensary using a stolen Kia.
It’s unclear what was taken, but several display cases were broken.
Multiple Philadelphia Police commanders have confirmed that the looting has no connection to earlier demonstrations over the dismissal of charges in the death of Eddie Irizarry.
New Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford, who recently took over, addressed the looting and emphasized that it was unrelated to the protest over a judge’s decision to drop charges against Dial.
“What we had tonight was a bunch of criminal opportunists take advantage of a situation and attempt to destroy our city,” Stanford said. “Again, it’s not going to be tolerated. We made arrests and will continue to make arrests until we apprehend all responsible individuals.”
Earlier protests concluded peacefully, according to police sources.
Irizarry’s family has expressed their desire for no property damage in their son’s name. In a September 8 news conference, officials released footage from Dial and his partner’s body cameras showing the shooting, and District Attorney Larry Krasner made it clear that criminal behavior would go against the wishes of the family.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
