Homicide detectives are investigating the stabbing and beating death of an older man inside his home last weekend on the 2100 block of Cross Street.
William Clark, 65, was pronounced dead in his house at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, said Capt. Charles Bloom of the Homicide Division.
A neighbor told investigators he became concerned when he had not seen Clark in more than a day. After looking in windows and getting no response when he knocked on the door, the neighbor peeked through Clark’s mail slot and saw him on the floor.
He then called police, who arrived and found Clark, fully clothed, in a pool of blood, Bloom said.
The victim had a large gash on his forehead. Police also found a knife by his body, said the captain.
There were signs of a struggle, Bloom added.
To report information, call the Homicide Division at 215-686-3334/3335.
Fatal bullet on 22nd Street
A single bullet to the chest claimed the life of a 23-year-old man at 10:45 p.m. Monday, police said.
Sacovb Franklin, from the 8000 block of Chelwyn Avenue, was pronounced dead at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania a half-hour later, said Capt. Charles Bloom of the Homicide Division.
Investigators have few clues in the shooting, which occurred on the 2000 block of South 22nd Street.
To report information, call the Homicide Division at 215-686-3334/3335.
Bank robber wanted
The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed the United Savings Bank at 1945 E. Passyunk Ave. on July 30.
The perpetrator entered the bank around 9:15 a.m., said FBI spokesperson Linda Vizi.
He presented the teller with a demand note and then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. There were no injuries, but because of the content of the note, the FBI said the culprit should be considered armed and dangerous.
To report information, call the FBI at 215-418-4000.
Shooting victim in coma
A 20-year-old local man is in a coma at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after being shot in the face during a gun battle Tuesday on the 2600 block of Earp Street, police said.
A 23-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the left leg and was treated and released from HUP, said Sgt. Steve Biello of South Detective Division.
According to the sergeant, around 4:30 p.m. a group of four to five males called from the street for the 23-year-old victim to come out of his house on the 2600 block of Earp. The 20-year-old victim exited the house with him. An altercation ensued and pistols were drawn, Biello said.
The younger victim, from the 1500 block of South 26th Street, was rushed to HUP in critical condition.
Investigators arrested Leon Jason Williams, 21, from the 2600 block of Oakford Street, for allegedly shooting the 23-year-old, said Biello. Williams is charged with aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, a firearms offense and possession of an instrument of crime, the sergeant said.
Detectives recovered 9 mm and .45-caliber casings at the scene, and continue to search for the other suspects, said Biello.
To report information, call South Detectives at 215-686-3013.
Arrested in trucker holdup
Police arrested a man who allegedly tried to rob an out-of-town truck driver at knifepoint while the victim slept inside his rig at a local stop.
Marvin Harris, 34, from the 2500 block of North 28th Street, was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime in the June 30 assault, said Sgt. Steve Biello of South Detective Division.
The 46-year-old driver from Dallas, Texas, had stopped for the night on the 3500 block of Lawrence Street, the sergeant said. He was awakened at 5 a.m. to find the culprit holding a knife and demanding money. The victim also noticed a handgun in the robber’s waistband, said Biello.
The trucker was able to escape and call police, who nabbed the suspect a short while later. Investigators recovered a knife, Biello said.
Book clubbed
After a local retail employee attempted to stop a teenager for allegedly shoplifting a book, police said, she clubbed him over the head with the item and fled.
The 23-year-old male employee was not injured in Monday’s 5:30 p.m. incident at Ross, on the 2400 block of South 23rd Street, said Sgt. Steve Biello of South Detectives.
The culprit, a 15- to 17-year-old girl, ran out of the store with the $6 book.
Get a GRRIP
The new Gun Recovery Reward Information Program, otherwise known as GRRIP, provides cash rewards up to $1,000 for anonymous information leading to an illegal firearm and subsequent arrest. Narcotics officers will investigate all tips. Payment will be rendered within 72 hours of arrest.
According to Chief Police Inspector William Blackburn, the tip line already has logged more than 100 calls.
According to authorities, about 80 percent of the city’s homicides are committed with firearms. In addition, most of the search warrants executed by Narcotics officers net numerous illegal weapons.
To report information, call the 24-hour hotline at 215-683-GUNS.
Bank robber wanted
The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed the United Savings Bank at 1945 E. Passyunk Ave. on July 30.
The perpetrator entered the bank around 9:15 a.m., said FBI spokesperson Linda Vizi.
He presented the teller with a demand note and then fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. There were no injuries, but because of the content of the note, the FBI said the culprit should be considered armed and dangerous.
To report information, call the FBI at 215-418-4000.
