March 10, 2023, Philadelphia PA – This past Tuesday afternoon, a terrifying armed robbery targeting a Chinese individual took place near the No1 Asian Supermarket in Northeast Philadelphia, sparking widespread concern and fear within the local community. In response, the Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation (NPDC) quickly took action to address the situation, offering support to those affected and working to calm the community’s fears.
Incident Report: Armed Robbery Near the No1 Asian Supermarket
On the evening of March 7th, around 5:50 p.m., I was preparing to head home after visiting the No1 Asian Supermarket. After starting my car, I went to the trunk to retrieve some items and placed them in the front passenger seat. As I was about to close the door, a Black male suddenly blocked the door. He was wearing a black mask and a black hoodie with some designs on it, with the hood up. He appeared to be around 6 feet tall, of medium build, and approximately 20 to 30 years old.
He pointed a gun at me and demanded money. At that moment, I was completely stunned and didn’t know what to do. I handed over all the money I had on me and told him it was everything I had. He didn’t believe me and made me open my bag, which indeed had no more money. Then, he asked for my phone and ordered me to get out of the car. I didn’t want to give him my phone or get out of the car. (In hindsight, for safety reasons, I should have handed over the phone or gotten out of the car to let him take it. However, at that moment, I was both nervous and furious, completely in shock.)
I never imagined that something like this could happen to me in broad daylight. Just then, a car happened to pull up next to mine, and I immediately honked the horn continuously. The sound, along with the presence of the other car, scared the robber off, and he left. I quickly reported the incident to the police and later went to the police station to give a statement. Looking back on the situation today, I still feel shaken. Thankfully, I am unharmed.
I want to remind all my fellow Chinese community members to stay vigilant. This kind of brazen robbery can happen even in broad daylight. Please be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Victims’ narratives
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, saw the victim held at gunpoint and facing significant danger. The shocking event has not only left the victim shaken but has also caused considerable alarm and anger throughout the Chinese community.
Important Notice from NPDC
We express our anger and condemnation over the broad daylight robbery that occurred near the No1 Asian Supermarket on March 7th! The audacity of the criminals and the ongoing security issues continue to loom over us.
Our association has already contacted the police department and the District 6 Councilman yesterday to report the relevant situation, and it is currently under review.
We have partnered with the police department to establish a Community Safety Team in hopes of providing some assistance to the residents of the Northeast District. However, we must also remind everyone that, until the security in our surroundings improves, you should remain vigilant when going out. When an issue arises, prioritize your safety and respond accordingly to the situation.
Our association will also actively work with the police department to provide services to the community residents! We hope everyone will be cautious. Go out with joy and return home safely!
This is our association’s commitment to the residents of the Northeast District after communication with District 6 Councilman Mike Driscoll.
Philadelphia must deploy citywide efforts to restore public safety. We need additional law enforcement officers, community police foot patrols, resources for security cameras, and a maximum effort to bolster town defenses to combat the ongoing illegal activities. If people do not feel safe in their communities and businesses, we cannot move our city forward.
Upon learning of the situation, the NPDC immediately reached out to local law enforcement and Sixth District Councilman Mike Driscoll to report the seriousness of the incident and convey the community’s urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
Important Notice
A number of armed robberies targeting Chinese in the Mayfair area of Northeast Philadelphia have recently been committed and a headshot of the suspected robber has been obtained from surveillance cameras.
Please be vigilant and call 911 immediately if you see this person, the alarm center is available in both English and Chinese.
Alternatively, you can also call the Civil Aid Team for assistance in calling the police.
NPDC Calms Fears and Provides Language Support
To assist Chinese residents, particularly those facing language barriers, the NPDC collaborated with local police to quickly organize the Community Safety Patrol Services (CSPS). This group is dedicated to helping residents communicate with relevant authorities and provides services in Chinese to ensure that every community member’s voice is heard.
NPDC representatives emphasized that safety is one of the top concerns for the community. In light of the recent spike in robbery incidents, the NPDC is actively advocating for increased police patrols in predominantly Chinese areas and is urging the city government to take more stringent actions to combat crime and safeguard the community.
Commitment to Ongoing Support and Safety Education
The NPDC has committed to continuing to provide support to victims and other residents in need, including assistance with reporting crimes, legal consultation, and psychological counseling. Additionally, the NPDC, in collaboration with the Community Safety Patrol Squad, will regularly host safety workshops to educate residents on how to respond correctly to similar emergencies and reduce their risk.
Here are some key safety tips provided by the NPDC for residents:
- Stay Calm and Prioritize Safety: In the event of a robbery, the primary concern should be your personal safety. Cooperate with the robber’s demands to avoid escalating the situation.
- Remember the Robber’s Features: Try to remember the robber’s appearance, clothing, and behavior to provide detailed descriptions to the police, which can aid in solving the case.
- Report the Incident Promptly: After the incident, move to a safe location and contact the police as soon as possible. Ensure your safety while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.
- Participate in Community Safety Activities: The NPDC will regularly organize community safety meetings and encourages residents to participate actively in enhancing collective safety awareness.
The NPDC stresses that the safety of the community requires a collective effort. The organization will continue to work closely with the police and other relevant departments to ensure that the community’s safety is no longer compromised. Through united action, they hope to create a safer and more secure environment for all Chinese residents.
About the Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation – NPDC
The Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and collaborative platform for the Asian community, especially Chinese residents, to better integrate into society and maintain a safe and prosperous community. As a non-profit organization, the NPDC remains committed to contributing to the stability and development of the community in the future.
