Philadelphia, PA - A night of turmoil unfolded in various Philadelphia neighborhoods as multiple groups of looters targeted retail stores and a small business. Law enforcement acted swiftly, resulting in several arrests and the recovery of stolen items.
While the majority of the looting incidents occurred in Center City, North Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia also witnessed disturbances. In Center City, several stores were looted, with reports of an assault at a Foot Locker.
CBS Philadelphia reporters were present at the scene, capturing a large group in action. Among the targeted stores were the Foot Locker at 15th and Chestnut Streets and the Apple Store on Walnut Street near 16th.
In addition to the store break-ins, an unfortunate incident unfolded at the Foot Locker, where a security guard was assaulted. Our cameras also documented looters ransacking the nearby Lululemon store on Walnut Street in Rittenhouse Square. These individuals were seen using large plastic bags to haul away stolen merchandise from various stores.
Initial estimates suggest that up to 100 juveniles were involved in looting in Center City, with approximately 15-20 arrests made. However, the unrest was not confined to Center City alone, as North Philadelphia also experienced looting. Patriot Pharmacy, located on 22nd Street and Indiana Avenue in North Philadelphia, fell victim to looters who used a pickaxe to break through acrylic glass and steal items.
Owner Benjamin Nachum expressed his disappointment, stating, "This is the third time we've been looted." Despite these recurring challenges, Nachum emphasized the pharmacy's unwavering commitment to serving the community.
🚨Just in: Apple and many stores in Philadelphia being looted. Philly is fallen! #Philadelphia #PA #looting pic.twitter.com/hnfpAJhvIp
— Stay Frosty 🇺🇲 (@brewdoggy) September 27, 2023
Fortunately, the pharmacy's safe remained secure, preventing the theft of narcotics. Northeast Philadelphia also saw instances of looting, with Chopper 3 capturing an arrest at a Gamestop on Aramingo Avenue. Police discovered a vehicle filled with what appeared to be stolen items from a nearby Aldi grocery store in the car's trunk.
In another concerning incident, thieves attempted to use a stolen Kia to break into a Curaleaf medical marijuana dispensary located at 51st Street and City Avenue in the city's Wynnefield section. Although the extent of the theft remains unclear, several display cases were damaged during the break-in.
Senior Philadelphia Police officer John Stanford emphasized that the looting was unrelated to earlier protests over the dismissal of charges in the death of Eddie Irizarry. Irizarry's family had explicitly expressed their desire to prevent property damage or criminal unrest in their son's name.
Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford condemned the looting, stating, "What occurred tonight was a group of criminal opportunists exploiting a situation in an attempt to harm our city. Such behavior will not be tolerated. We have made arrests, and we will continue to do so until we have taken into custody all individuals responsible for the disturbances witnessed tonight."
It is essential to distinguish between peaceful protests and criminal acts, as earlier demonstrations had concluded peacefully. The wish of Irizarry's family for a peaceful response remains a primary consideration for the city.
