Five Violent Robberies Reported in South Philadelphia

Police investigating string of attacks targeting e-bikes and cash in Bella Vista and Hawthorne neighborhoods

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Police in Philadelphia are investigating a series of five violent robberies that occurred between January 17 and February 12 in the Bella Vista and Hawthorne neighborhoods of South Philadelphia. The incidents appear to follow two patterns - one group targeting e-bikes and another taking wallets and cash. Authorities have described the suspects as three Black men between 20 and 25 years old, dressed in black clothing. No arrests have been made, and it is unclear if the suspects are tied to other crimes in the area.

Why it matters

The string of robberies has prompted a police warning and heightened awareness among residents in the affected neighborhoods. Residents are adjusting their routines and sharing information to improve safety, as the incidents have caused personal concerns about daily activities like walking to school and waiting for the bus. The robberies also raise questions about crime trends and policing strategies in the area.

The details

According to police, the first robbery occurred on January 17 when three young men pushed a person off an electric bicycle and took the bike. The next incident happened on February 3 when three men punched and kicked a victim, causing a possible concussion, before taking cash. Later that day, another robbery was reported where three men punched and kicked a victim and stole cash and an e-bike. On February 11, three men took a wallet containing credit cards and cash, and one suspect showed a handgun. The most recent robbery on February 12 involved three young men flashing a gun, kicking and punching the victim, and taking an e-bike. In another account of that incident, the suspects pushed the victim from a bicycle, causing him to lose consciousness and suffer a possible concussion.

  • The first robbery occurred on January 17 at 1:45 a.m.
  • The next incident happened on February 3 at 12:24 a.m.
  • Later on February 3, at 11:05 a.m., another robbery was reported.
  • On February 11 at 12:03 a.m., a robbery took place.
  • The most recent robbery was reported on February 12 at 10:48 a.m.

The players

Philadelphia Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the string of robberies in South Philadelphia.

Bella Vista and Hawthorne residents

Residents in the affected neighborhoods who are adjusting their routines and sharing information to improve safety in response to the incidents.

Stephen Sandoval

A coworker of one of the victims who described an attack on a restaurant worker earlier in the month.

Haley Taylor Simon

A resident who contacted police after seeing three masked men on her street following the February 2 assault.

Nikki Rockwell

A resident who believes the situation will not last long because word is spreading quickly.

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What they’re saying

“He was just going home. He was waiting for the bus. He was on 12th and Carpenter. And then he said three guys just came up to him, and then like they just beat him up.”

— Stephen Sandoval, Coworker of victim (southphillyreview.com)

“I worry about walking my son to and from school and picking him up, and I usually keep my head on a swivel and will do so more now.”

— Hilary Crowe, Resident (southphillyreview.com)

“Assault is assault and we're keeping our eyes out.”

— Jared Felderman, Resident (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

Police are asking anyone with information or surveillance video connected to these incidents to contact South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or call 911.

The takeaway

The string of violent robberies in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista and Hawthorne neighborhoods has heightened concerns about public safety and prompted residents to take extra precautions in their daily lives. The incidents raise questions about crime trends and policing strategies in the area, and underscore the need for continued community engagement and collaboration with law enforcement to address the issue.