Late last month, a corner store in Philadelphia experienced a distressing armed robbery that left the local community outraged. Two armed men entered Diaz Grocery on September 29 around 4 p.m., while a third kept watch outside. The entire incident has deeply unsettled the neighbors.
The spokesperson for the police reported that the robbers brandished their handguns, announced their intent to rob, and forced the store employees to a stockroom where they demanded access to a safe. Unfortunately, Marianny Hernandez, a store worker, shared that her uncle and cousin were present at the time of the crime. They were unsure of the safe’s code, prompting one assailant to strike her uncle.
The situation escalated painfully when one of the robbers pistol-whipped the store owner, injuring him with a significant cut beneath his eye. Despite their threats, the suspects couldn’t access the safe. They subsequently ransacked the front of the store before fleeing east on West Jefferson Street, taking the victim’s keys, phone, and about $7,000 in cash.
Local police provided descriptions of the suspects: the first is a black male, aged 25 to 30, wearing a KMSL hooded sweatshirt and carrying a Sprayground backpack; the second is a black male, between 17 and 20 years old, with ear-length twists or braids, and holding a black/white Spiderman backpack.
Since the incident, Hernandez mentioned to WTXF that she and her coworkers have become hyper-vigilant, monitoring security cameras constantly and keeping a close eye on any suspicious vehicles. They’ve even begun asking customers to remove masks upon entering the store.
Conchita Bradley, another local who spoke to the station, expressed her fear regarding the robbery, stating, “It’s really sad and scary because I could’ve been in there, or I could’ve sent my granddaughter to the store, and she could’ve gotten caught in that situation.”
One regular customer at Diaz Grocery, concerned about the ongoing violent incidents, voiced his frustration: “I come here all the time, every day. Whoever is doing this should just chill out. … we’re not living like that anymore. Just go get a job.”
The police urge anyone who may encounter the suspects to not engage and instead contact 911. Tips can also be provided anonymously by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submitting a form online. Authorities assured that all tips would remain confidential.
For those with further information regarding the crime or the suspects, the Central Detective Division is available at 215-686-3047 or 3048.
