Serial Robbers Steal $20K During Cell Phone Thefts: Police

Two brothers are in custody and another suspect is on the loose after police say they stole over $20,000 in merchandise during a string of robberies in the city.

Police say the suspects struck the Verizon Store at 17th and Market Streets back on January 10. Surveillance video shows the three men cutting high-priced cell phones and tablets from their fixed displays before fleeing the store, according to investigators.

Police say the trio also robbed the T-Mobile store on the 2000 block of South Broad Street back on February 4. During that robbery, the suspects, who were armed with box cutters, allegedly shoved a store employee who was 4-months pregnant. Investigators say they then stole several phones and iPads worth over $2600 in all.

Last Thursday, around 3:45 a.m., police responded to a theft in progress at the T-Mobile store on 15th and Walnut streets. The officers say they spotted the men getting into a white Dodge Sedan.

After police stopped the vehicle on the 1000 block of Filbert Street, police say 24-year-old Zakee Allen along with his brother, 22-year-old Isiah Allen, fled from the vehicle.

Isiah was stopped at 10th and Ludlow Street while Zakee was apprehended at 13th and Market streets after a lengthy foot chase.

The brothers were both arrested and identified as the suspects connected to the robberies. Zakee Allen was charged with theft and robbery while Isiah Allen was charged with theft.

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Investigators later connected the brothers, along with a third suspect, Shaquille Williams,  to a total of nine robberies and thefts in South Philadelphia and Center City, including the AT&T store on 3rd and Market Streets.

“They told me basically that if I moved, they would harm me,” said Phil Umidi, the manager of the store.

During the robberies, the trio allegedly stole $21,227 worth of items.

Police are still searching for Williams who is known to frequent the Norristown area, according to investigators. Officials say a fourth man may also be connected to the robberies though police have not yet revealed his identity.

If you have any information on Williams’ whereabouts, please call Philadelphia Police.

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