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PHILADELPHIA — Authorities are searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for three armed robberies at West Philadelphia businesses over a three-day period. The incidents, which took place between October 7 and October 9, involved a gunman demanding money from employees before fleeing on foot.

The suspect is described as an older black man who wore all black clothing during the robberies. In each case, he held a gun and threatened employees before taking money or attempting to do so.

The first incident occurred on October 7 at 1:30 pm at the Haverford Mini Market located at 5450 Haverford Avenue. The suspect allegedly entered the store, pointed a gun at an employee and demanded cash. After receiving money from the register, he ran north on 55th Street toward Westminster Avenue. No injuries were reported.

The second robbery occurred the following day, on October 8, at approximately 12:54 p.m., at the Eagles Food Market at 4823 Chester Avenue. The suspect approached the register, pulled out a gun and demanded money from an employee. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, he exited the store, although his direction of travel is unknown.

In the third incident on Oct. 9 at 10:52 a.m., the suspect entered the Vine Deli and Grocery at 262 N. Simpson St., where he initially purchased cigars. He then pulled out a gun, pointed it at the employee and demanded money from the register. However, the attempted robbery was thwarted when the employee and another worker were able to remove the gun from the suspect. The suspect fled on foot toward 65th Street and no injuries were reported.

Philadelphia Police are urging anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to come forward as they continue to investigate these incidents.