63370363
A man from a Passyunk Square robbery two weeks ago has been apprehended.
Eric Simpson, 23, of Southwest Philly, along with a still unknown gun wielder, allegedly mugged a 24- and 25-year-old, who put up a fight, at 1:15 a.m. July 12 on the 1300 block of Ellsworth Street, Detective Danielle Tolliver of South Detective Division said. The older man suffered an injury to his forehead as a result of Simpson allegedly punching and choking him before taking his phone.
Police recovered surveillance video of the suspects July 13 and distributed still shots to area officers. A 17th District officer spotted Simpson, who fit a description of one of the suspects, on the 1600 block of Wharton Street July 13 and relayed his siting over police radio, but Simpson is believed to have fled on his bicycle, with police losing him on the 1600 block of Federal Street.
The same officer again saw Simpson July 17 at 18th and Federal streets. He called for backup and attempted to stop Simpson. Officers pursued the man on foot and apprehended him at 19th and Latona streets.
Simpson was charged with two counts of robbery, conspiracy of robbery and simple assault, as well as multiple firearm violations and related charges, according to court records. He served three to six years in jail after pleading guilty in 2007 to a ’06 17th District robbery.
The gunman in this month’s heist was described as black, age 18 to 22, 5-foot-9, thin and wearing a white Polo with stripes and shorts.
rt information, call South Detectives’ tip line at 215-685-1635, text PPDTIP (773847) or visit phillypolice.com/forms.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Off the streets
Forced entry
Troublesome trespassing
Scare tactics
Morning mugging
Double teamed
28043647
