Philadelphia

Police Swarm South Philly as Manhunt Continues for Chase Suspect

Police with long guns were going block-by-block around Methodist Hospital as they search for 20-year-old Dejuan Robinson

What to Know

  • Dejuan Robinson, a person of interest in multiple homicides, has evaded police after allegedly leading police on a two-state chase.
  • The 20-year-old was last seen after crashing his car in South Philly midday Wednesday.
  • Anyone who spots Robinson should call 9-1-1 immediately.

A man police want to interview about "multiple homicides" led law enforcement officers on a violent car chase through two states Wednesday, injuring several Delaware police officers and a Pennsylvania state trooper, officials said.

Dejuan Robinson, 20, remains at large Thursday. Police consider him armed and dangerous.

The chase started shortly after 11 a.m. during a traffic stop in Wilmington, officials said. Pennsylvania State Police joined in after Robinson fled in a black Acura and crossed state lines.

The pursuit caused a crash on northbound Interstate 95 near Philadelphia International Airport involving cruisers from Wilmington police and Pennsylvania State Police.

At least five Wilmington officers and one Pennsylvania state trooper were injured in the incident. The injuries were not serious, Pennsylvania State Police said. Two of the injured Wilmington officers are expected to be treated and released.

"We're still looking for him," Philadelphia Police Department spokesman Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said Wednesday afternoon.

Robinson evaded police at the crash scene and drove north, exiting the highway in South Philadelphia. He continued onto Broad Street before his car collided with a SEPTA Route 68 bus at Oregon Avenue.

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DeJuan Robinson, 20, is wanted for multiple homicides in Delaware. Police say he led officers on a two state chase that left at least five officers hurt.

Two people were injured in that collision, officials said.

On Thursday morning, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said they continue to assist Wilmington police in the search for Robinson.

"They're still searching for him," Ross said. "We're hoping we can find him somewhere in that neighborhood."

Police are searching for Dejuan Robinson, saying the 20-year-old is considered to be armed and dangerous. Robinson fled a traffic stop in Wilmington, police said. The chase continued into South Philadelphia, where Robinson evaded police. 

Ivy Lafontano was working at United Check Cashing in South Philadelphia when she heard a loud crash. Moments later, Robinson walked into the business and asked employees to break a $50 bill.

"We see crazy stuff at Broad and Oregon, but nothing ever like that," she said. "You can tell he was definitely up to something."

Robinson then slipped into side streets surrounding Methodist Hospital, Philadelphia police said. Along the way, he took off his shirt, a neighbor told NBC10.

Officers armed with long guns and dressed in tactical gear could be seen roaming alleyways as they searched for Robinson.

Several schools in South Philadelphia were affected. A.S. Jenks, Fell and Bregy elementary schools, as well as South Philadelphia High School, were placed on lockdown as police searched for Robinson, the Philadelphia School District said.

This is not the first time Robinson ran away from police. In 2015, he escaped from a Wilmington juvenile corrections van by kicking out the back window, according to police. He was 17 years old at the time. 

In August 2018, he was arrested and put on parole in September. He has also been convicted of gang participation and firearms violations, Delaware authorities said.

As of Wednesday morning, Robinson had a warrant out for his arrest for probation violations in Delaware. He is also wanted for questioning related to multiple homicides.

Robinson is described by police as standing 5 foot, 6 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He was last seen in South Philadelphia near Watts Street and Oregon Avenue. 

NBC10 was the first TV station to provide aerial images of the search for Robinson.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that it was at least five Wilmington Police Department officers and one Pennsylvania State Police trooper that were injured in the crash.

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