This was the scene caught on tape inside a 7-Eleven on Broad Street in South Philly during a violent struggle between an armed robber and a 21-year-old South Philadelphia man who was forced off the street at gun point.
"Next thing you know somebody is physically assaulting you and putting to your head an extremely large caliber semi-automatic handgun," said Capt. Larry Nodiff of South Detectives.
As the robber and his victim struggle, you can clearly see the gun come out and a 7-11 employee come to the victim's aid. The struggle continued, but finally ended when the gunman backed away and fled. The victim and the 7-Eleven employee were shaken, but not injured.
"Although it's risky, in this particular case, they were heroic in their actions," Nodiff said.
"He tried to help out an innocent bystander and maybe prevented the guy from getting hurt," said store owner Joe DiFabritiis.
The terrifying ordeal started when the victim was approached for a lighter on the 2200 block of Rosewood.
The suspect produced a gun, stole his cell phone and ordered him to remove cash from an ATM at a TD Bank on Broad at Jackson.
Then, the gunman forced the victim down the block to the 7-Eleven where he made him buy a $10 pack of cigarettes. That's when the victim turned on the suspect.
"The guy tried to stop the guy cause he was going to try and take him home, I think was the word," DiFabritiis added.
Police and store owner Joe DiFabritiis praised the efforts of his employee and the victim. They hope someone will recognize the gunman and turn him in.
"We got a good picture of him. I believe he will be captured and we'll have another bad guy off the street," he said.
The victim was not available to speak with Fox 29 Wednesday. The suspect is 5'5", about 25-years-old with a thin build. He was wearing a gray striped hooded sweatshirt.
Anyone with information should call South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or just dial 9-1-1. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
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Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
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When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
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Kasey's bark may be worse than her bite. But Hamilton Township Police say the crook who tried to rob Draper Ellis late Thursday afternoon at his "May's Landing Auto Parts Store" didn't stick around
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Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
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Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
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Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
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A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
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1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
Surveillance video captures a victim fighting off a would-be robber. (Philadelphia Police Department)
