Police are on the hunt for a man who they say forced his way inside the home of an elderly couple and robbed them.
It happened at 3:34 p.m. on the 3000 block of Vista Street in the Mayfair section of the city. Police say the man knocked on the door of the home and was greeted by John and Jane Lescher, both 81-years of age. The man asked the couple where Battersby Street was, according to investigators. He then allegedly forced his way inside the house, telling the couple he had a weapon.
Police say he stole three rings from Jane and a gold watch and four rings from John. He also allegedly stole a wallet containing $300 and two blank checks. The couple spoke to NBC10 about the incident.
"He kind of shoved himself in," said Jane.
"He said 'give me your gold, give me your wallet, give me your money,'" said John.
"He kept pulling really hard at this finger," said Jane. "This was my wedding band and he pulled that off. The necklace, I thought he wouldn't see it but he did. He just yanked it off my neck."
John says he had gone to the Beneficial Bank on Frankford and Cottman Avenue and believes the suspect followed him home.
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"I'm convinced that's what happened," said John. "He figured I had a pocket full of money, cash."
The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-30s with short hair. Police say he was wearing a white shirt and brown pants. They also say he fled south on Battersby Street possibly in a white van. Investigators are currently searching through surveillance video from the bank and other nearby stores.
John suffered minor cuts and bruises on his arm during the robbery. The couple, who have lived in their home for 40 years, say they'll be sure to do things differently from now on.
"No more nice guy," said John. "If I don't know you that door is not going to open."
If you have any information on this incident, please call police.
