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| Multiple Store Looting in Center City Leads to Over a Dozen Arrests, According to Police |
A significant incident unfolded in Center City Philadelphia on Tuesday night, as a large group of juveniles engaged in looting and vandalism, causing damage to various establishments, according to local law enforcement.
Reports began to flood in around 8 p.m., alerting the police to the presence of sizable crowds of young individuals making their way into the heart of Center City. Among the targeted stores were the Footlocker and Apple store situated near 15th and Chestnut streets, as well as the Lululemon store in Center City.
Acting Police Commissioner John Stanford emphasized that the looting was unrelated to the earlier peaceful protest, which had taken place in response to the dismissal of charges against an officer involved in the shooting of Eddie Irizarry. He confirmed that law enforcement had already made 15-20 arrests, with the recovery of two firearms, though their connection to the looting remains uncertain.
While over 100 juveniles and young adults were involved, the exact number of businesses affected remains unclear. Stanford condemned the events, labeling the culprits as "criminal opportunists" who exploited the situation.
Cellphone footage shared with NBC10 captured a group fleeing the Apple store after pilfering its merchandise.
In anticipation of potential unrest following the protest, the police had deployed personnel to the area for swift response should any incidents occur.
Stanford made a clear distinction, asserting that these individuals were not protesters but criminals. Hakeem Russell, a security guard at Wendy's, reported that the store adjacent to Wendy's on Chestnut Street was broken into, and he was assaulted. He attributed the unrest to recent events, stating, "A couple of kids decided they wanted to take full advantage of the unjust shooting that's happened."
Police expressed their dismay at witnessing a repeat of the turmoil that had gripped the city in 2020, urging residents to resist attempts to recreate those chaotic scenes. While a police vehicle was damaged, there have been no reported injuries at this time.
Stanford concluded, "Everyone in the city should be angry."
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