South Philly Kickboxing Studio Targeted by Pickax Vandal for Third Time

Owner says the same suspect has struck the business multiple times since February, leaving clients on edge.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A South Philadelphia kickboxing studio has been the target of a pickax-wielding vandal three times since February, with the latest incident occurring on Monday night. The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the same suspect is responsible for all three attacks, which have caused significant damage to the business. Police are actively investigating the incidents, but the owner believes the suspect may be dealing with mental health issues and is hoping the person can get the help they need.

Why it matters

Repeated acts of vandalism against small businesses can have a significant financial and emotional impact, especially for independent studios like this one. The owner's concerns about the suspect's mental health also highlight the broader challenges communities face in addressing complex social issues that can lead to property crimes.

The details

Surveillance footage shows a masked person smashing the glass door of CKO Kickboxing on Oregon Avenue and 21st Street on Monday night. This was the third such incident since February, with the first occurring on Valentine's Day and the second on March 24. During the March 24 incident, the suspect was apprehended by police but was later placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold and released without charges. The owner believes the same woman is responsible for all three attacks, though she has no prior relationship with the suspect.

  • The first incident happened on February 14th, Valentine's Day morning.
  • The second incident occurred on March 24th.
  • The third and most recent incident took place on Monday, March 30th.

The players

CKO Kickboxing

A South Philadelphia kickboxing studio that has been the target of multiple vandalism attacks.

The Owner

The anonymous owner of CKO Kickboxing, who has been dealing with the repeated vandalism incidents and is hoping the suspect can get the help they need.

The Suspect

A masked individual who has been using a pickax to repeatedly vandalize the CKO Kickboxing studio, though the owner believes the suspect may be dealing with mental health issues.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The second time actually was scarier. It happened last Tuesday night when I had a gym full of people, about 10 people in class. The suspect approached the window with a pickax, the same instrument of crime that was used the first time.”

— The Owner

“I would love for this person to get some help. You don't want this to happen again to anyone. You don't want this to escalate to violence on a person. It's one thing to hit my business and cost me money that I don't have.”

— The Owner

What’s next

Philadelphia police said they are actively investigating the vandalism incidents and are working to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges small business owners face when dealing with repeated acts of vandalism, especially when the suspected perpetrator may be struggling with mental health issues. It underscores the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses both the immediate property damage and the underlying social factors that can contribute to such crimes.