Philadelphia, PA – At least three suspects in an armored car robbery are now in custody following a dramatic chase through Philadelphia and Montgomery County that prompted school lockdowns, including at Saint Joseph’s University, authorities confirmed Friday.
Suspects Spotted Attempting Robbery
A law enforcement source told NBC10 that officers were near City Avenue in the Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd area late Friday morning when they noticed at least three men attempting to break into an armored car. Lower Merion Police Superintendent Andy Block said FBI agents were already in the area searching for suspects in prior armored car robberies in Philadelphia.
Upon noticing the officers, the armed suspects fled the scene, leading to a multi-agency pursuit.
“These individuals fled from police on the city side,” Superintendent Block told NBC10. “They notified us for assistance.”
Multi-Agency Pursuit
Philadelphia Police and Lower Merion Police pursued the suspects along City Avenue, traveling from Philadelphia through Montgomery County. One suspect was spotted on Snowden Road in Bala Cynwyd but managed to escape temporarily.
SkyForce10 footage showed armed officers searching homes in Lower Merion on foot. Residents in the area described a tense situation.
“Scary. I’m going in my house and I’m going to lock my door,” one resident said.
The chase even forced a mail carrier to abandon her route, telling NBC10, “I’m not going to do my route, yeah I’m just going to go back to the office.”
Suspects Caught
Surveillance footage captured one suspect hopping a fence in a backyard, with neighbors witnessing the dramatic events. Resident Eli Starkman described seeing a suspect approach the street and then sprint toward a nearby house.
By around noon, police took one suspect into custody near 52nd and Parrish Streets in West Philadelphia. By 12:45 p.m., Superintendent Block confirmed that two suspects were arrested in Philadelphia while a third suspect was arrested in Lower Merion. Police had initially searched homes for a possible fourth suspect, but later stated that all involved suspects are now in custody.
Connection to Other Robberies
Investigators believe the suspects are tied to armored truck robberies over the last few months in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
School Lockdowns Lifted
The chase prompted a shelter-in-place order at Saint Joseph’s University’s Hawk Hill campus on 5600 City Avenue, as well as several Lower Merion schools. Students were instructed to lock doors and remain in place until further notice.
By around 2 p.m., authorities lifted all lockdowns, and life in the affected neighborhoods returned to normal.
What do you think about this dramatic armored car chase and arrests in Philadelphia and Lower Merion? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
