Suspect wanted in connection to violent robberies in Center City Philadelphia

Police are looking for a suspect tied to two violent robberies that happened on the same day, just minutes apart in Center City Philadelphia.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the first incident happened on April 9, 2026, around 6:35 p.m. at a 7-Eleven at 1201 Chestnut Street.

Police reported that an unknown individual entered the store, took several items, and attempted to leave without paying. When an employee tried to stop the suspect, they were struck multiple times with a closed fist. After the assault, the suspect fled in an unknown direction.

The next incident happened on the same day, 30 minutes later, at 7 p.m. along the 1600 block of Walnut Street, according to police.

Police said a victim, a 34-year-old man, had been walking when an unknown individual ran up behind him and snatched the phone out of his hand before taking off running. The victim chased after the suspect, got a hold of him, and they both fell to the ground where a struggle ensued.

When the victim attempted to grab his phone out of the suspect’s hand, police said the suspect punched him several times in his head, causing him to hit his head on the pavement. The suspect then stood up and ran away.

Police shared that the victim’s phone was later returned to him by a passerby.

Investigators believe the same suspect, a boy in his teens who wore a light blue sweatshirt and black pants, is connected to both incidents.

Anyone with information regarding the crimes or the suspect is urged to contact the police.