PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A teenager had a terrifying close encounter with an armed suspect during an attempted robbery at a Family Dollar store in West Philadelphia.
It happened inside the Family Dollar on North 57th and Vine streets.
Police are using surveillance video to track down the suspect.
A teen inside at the time spoke with Action News about the close encounter with the attempted armed robber.
“I looked back up, and I had a gun in my face. He was waving it, telling us to move. I just ran, got as far as I could,” he said.
Surveillance video captures a suspect walking up towards the register dressed in all black.
“The employee actually said, ‘bro this ain’t covid, you don’t need that ski mask on.’ That’s what draw the attention, everyone started looking at him,” the teen added.
You see the suspect raise his arm and point a gun at the customers.
The teen said he ran from the store and called his mom to let her know that he was ok.
“For this to happen is wild. Can’t even go to the store and buy snacks on your break. That’s wild. I’m just really grateful my son is alive. I’m really blessed right now,” said his mom.
Luckily, no one was hurt, but they’re both traumatized – especially her son, after being just feet away from a gun pointed at his face.
“Everybody, just be safe. Parents, check your kids’ rooms for guns, keep guns off the street,” said the teen.
Police said no one was hurt and nothing was stolen.
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