PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia police are investigating after a mob of minors ransacked a Wawa in the city’s Mayfair neighborhood on Saturday night.
It happened around 8:22 p.m. at the store on the 7000 block of Roosevelt Boulevard.
Police say officers arrived at the scene and observed around 100 minors causing damage to the store. Police said some of the people in the videos may have been as young as 10.
No injuries were reported, but Action News residents expressed outrage at the incident.
“The bottom line is: We can’t have that kind of behavior in this city. Business doesn’t deserve this, citizens don’t deserve this,” said John Stanford, first deputy police commissioner.
A woman who did not want to be identified says she often thinks twice before entering the store.
“Sometimes I’m scared to quit, it’s a shame,” she said.
The video captured the miners inside the store throwing food and causing damage to the business.
Police are still looking for the individuals involved.
“I was angry. I was very upset because being in these employees’ shoes, I know how terrifying and frustrating it is to have to clean up after that as well,” former employee Kaitlyn Holtzman said. .
On Monday, the police appealed to parents.
“I know there are many parents who will look at this and say, ‘That’s not how I raised my kids,’ and that’s understandable. But there’s also a responsibility to identify ourselves then. your children,” Stanford said.
Wawa released this statement about the incident:
“We are working closely with law enforcement to support their efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice as soon as possible. We remain committed to protecting our associates and customers and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for every customer. , in every Wawa store. Nothing is more important to us.”
Police said they were working with the district attorney’s office and charges could include rioting, which is a felony, among other things. They also say if your car was damaged in the parking lot, call the Northeast Detectives.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call 215-686-TIPS.
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