Philadelphia, PA — Authorities are investigating whether the armed robbery of a Brinks truck outside a Philadelphia-area store on Tuesday is connected to a string of four other armored vehicle heists in and around the city this summer.
Details of the Robbery
Two armed suspects carried out the midday heist at an H Mart in Elkins Park, according to Cheltenham Township Police. The robbers managed to escape with between $700,000 and $800,000 in cash. One of the suspects was armed with an AR-15-style pistol, while the other carried a handgun. The duo fled the scene with the stolen money, leaving behind their getaway vehicle, which was later abandoned nearby.
“No shots were fired, and no one was injured,” Lt. Andrew Snyder of Cheltenham Township Police confirmed in a statement.
Possible Connections to Other Robberies
This robbery marks the first of its kind in Cheltenham Township, but authorities are investigating if it is related to a series of four robberies of armored vehicles since June in the Philadelphia area. The FBI and local police are looking into the possibility of a larger organized robbery operation.
“We are actively investigating the connection between this robbery and other similar incidents in the area,” said Lt. Snyder.
Federal prosecutors recently announced the arrests of three Philadelphia residents in connection with a $2 million armed robbery of a Brinks armored vehicle outside a Home Depot on June 21. Investigators also linked robberies to a Loomis armored transport vehicle held up outside an Aldi on June 26, another Brinks truck robbery outside a Dollar General on July 2, and a robbery of an armored vehicle in northeast Philadelphia on July 15.
Recovered Money and Items from June Heist
FBI agent Wayne Jacobs reported that most of the money stolen during the June 21 robbery has been recovered, along with a number of long weapons and handguns. Some of the stolen funds were spent on jewelry, clothes, and other items.
“If this is the type of activity you’re going to engage in, if you look at the timeline, six weeks from the time of the incident until the time of the arrest,” Jacobs said, “it’s just a matter of time before you’re held accountable for your actions.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into this latest heist is still in its early stages. Police have yet to confirm whether the two suspects involved in the Tuesday robbery are connected to the other attacks. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the robberies to come forward.
For more details, visit the Associated Press coverage.
What do you think about the growing number of armored vehicle robberies in Philadelphia? Let us know in the comments.
