Philadelphia

Offer of Help Turns Into Robbery of Man Using Walker

Thieves strike after man with disability uses ATM

Two men pretended to help a 70-year-old man using a walker but instead wound up taking money he had just gotten out of the ATM.

Surveillance cameras captured the attack at W Erie Avenue and N 6th Street in Philadelphia’s Hunting Park neighborhood on Wednesday around 4:20 p.m.

Philadelphia Police released the video that shows the victim walking slowly toward the Jhohandra Restaurant after leaving the Wells Fargo ATM across the intersection as the two suspects approach across the sidewalk.

The men – believed to be in their 50s and described as both having mustaches, cropped haircuts and slim builds -- ask the victim if he needs help then appear to start helping the man as he enters the restaurant.

But instead of helping they dig into the man’s pocket while pinning him against the door, said police. After taking $450, the suspects walked off down Erie Avenue.

Despite being pinned, the victim didn’t suffer any injuries, said police.

Investigators asked anyone with information or who recognize the suspects to contact police and/or call East Detectives at 215-686-3243/44 and ask for Detective Speck.

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