The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the Sixth Police District between May 17-23. Information is courtesy of Sixth District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association.
REPORT: At 11:07 a.m. May 17, complainant heard banging at the front door of her apartment in the 1100 block of Spruce Street. She yelled, then heard someone run down the stairs. There was damage around the doorframe, but entry was not gained and nothing was taken. Sixth District Officer Sweeney lifted fingerprints.
ARREST: At 11:45 a.m May 18, complainant was in the PATCO subway, 1300 Locust St., when a male asked her for change for a $100 bill, which she declined. Then, the male grabbed her handbag and they struggled for it. The male fled without the handbag and the complainant flagged down Sixth District Officers Duncan and Burrell. The suspect was arrested in the 200 block of South Broad Street. The 20-year-old male with a North Philadelphia address was charged with robbery and related offenses.
REPORT: Between 7 p.m. May 15 and 3 p.m. May 18, complainant’s unsecured bicycle was stolen from the 1200 block of Panama Street.
REPORT: At 12:35 a.m. May 19, complainant was approached in the 300 block of South 10th Street and pushed, then struck in the head with what appeared to be a dark-colored handgun by three males who yelled for him to give up his wallet. The males fled without getting the wallet. The offenders were described as white males wearing dark clothing, one with a dark-colored hat.
ARREST: On May 20, Sixth District Sgt. LaRose set up surveillance in the area for illegal narcotics sales. At 9:15 p.m., plainclothes officers observed an illegal narcotics sale outside the Parker Spruce Hotel, 261 S. 13th St., involving a male on a red bike. The 19-year-old suspect with a Center City address was charged with illegal sale of crack cocaine. The buyer eluded apprehension. Police confiscated seven vials of crack cocaine and cash.
REPORT: At 10:35 p.m. May 20, a male took a purse and duffle bag from the office area of Valanni Restaurant, 1229 Spruce St., and fled. The offender was described as a black male in his 50s, 6 feet and 160 pounds, with gray hair and wearing a yellow polo shirt and black jacket.
ARREST: At 8:15 p.m. May 21, Sixth District bicycle patrol Officer Blackburn was riding along the 400 block of South Juniper Street when he observed a male drop a packet of crack cocaine. The male picked it up and then saw the officer and threw it down. The packet was recovered and the 23-year-old suspect with a South Philadelphia address was charged with possession of cocaine.
REPORT: At 1:25 a.m. May 23, out-of-town complainants were walking in the 400 block of South Juniper Street when two males demanded their valuables. One male had a rag over his hand, simulating a weapon. The culprits took a wallet and cell phone. The offenders were described as 20-year-old black males. One was 5-foot-6, thin, with a medium complexion and cornrows wearing a white T-shirt; the second was 5-foot-9, thin, with a dark complexion, wearing dark clothing.