Armed Robbery Suspect Identified

Philadelphia Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man believed to be involved in the armed holdup of A.I. Poland Jewelers in Manayunk last week.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Raheem Hankerson, 30, whose last known address was 5812 Lampert Street in Philadelphia.

According to police, Hankerson is believed to be one of two men who robbed the jewelry store, located at 4347 Main St., March 29 at about 10:50 a.m.

Victor Ostroff, the store’s owner, went to the rear of the store to retrieve an item for one of the men, and when he returned to the front of the store, he was confronted by one of the robber’s, who pistol-whipped Ostroff on the back of the head, police said.

Ostroff, who suffered a head laceration requiring medical staples, and his female employee were forcibly bound, and the two suspects took the next half-hour or so ransacking the store, stealing whatever they could get their hands on.

Passersby spotted the thieves driving away at a high rate of speed, police confirmed prior, and the suspect vehicle was eventually found abandoned on the 200 block of Kalos Street.

Officers were able to obtain a search warrant, and, after searching the vehicle, located $100,000 worth of stolen jewelry from the trunk, police said.

According to a police department press release, Ostroff’s personal handgun was also stolen during the course of the robbery.

Police were able to connect Hankerson to the crime because he allegedly left a wallet containing his personal information in the abandoned vehicle.

The Northwest Detective Division is seeking the public's help in locating Hankerson and in identifying the other man involved in the robbery, who is described as a black male about 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall who was wearing what is believed to be a black wig and sunglasses.  

Anyone with information is asked to call the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353, or visit www.phillypolice.com/forms to submit an anonymous tip online.

Police posted surveillance video of the robbery, which can be viewed here.