Philadelphia police are searching for two suspects believed responsible for at least three violent robberies targeting Asian men in Center City’s Chinatown area from June 14-16.
About the incidents: The Chinatown attack spree began at around 9:30 p.m. on June 14 when a 62-year-old man was approached by two individuals on the 900 block of Cherry Street. When the victim tried to flee, one suspect punched him in the head and face — causing him to fall — before both continued to beat him and steal his wallet. An hour later that night, a 27-year-old man walking near a parking lot on the 800 block of Arch Street was tackled from behind by one suspect, while the other demanded his wallet. They then beat him and stole his wallet and AirPods. The final known attack occurred at 9:30 p.m. on June 16, when two masked suspects wearing all-black clothing confronted a 16-year-old boy in a parking lot on the 100 block of North 9th Street, punching and kicking him before fleeing with $5 that fell from his pocket.
What authorities are saying: Officials believe the robberies were racially motivated attacks against Asian men. “It would appear that these offenders were specifically targeting males of Asian descent, which would make this a hate crime. When we catch these individuals, they will also be charged with ethnic intimidation, along with robbery and related offenses,” Capt. Jason Smith of Central Detectives told WPVI. Authorities released surveillance footage Thursday showing the suspects and concluded from video analysis that other Asian individuals were approached but not robbed, revealing a systematic targeting pattern.
Anyone with information about the incidents can call Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit anonymous tips online.
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
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