Philadelphia City Centre Rocked by Teenage Flash Mob Looting Spree
Chaos erupted in Philadelphia’s city centre on Tuesday night as masked teens launched a series of brazen shop break-ins. The flash mob-style raids left witnesses and police stunned by their audacity and scale.
Apple Store Hit First, Police Hot on Their Heels
The rampage kicked off around 8pm local time with a raid on an Apple Store. Police arrived fast, chasing down fleeing teens who abandoned stolen iPhones and a “pile of iPads,” officials said. It was just the beginning of a wild night for the city.
Lululemon Swarmed by 100+ Hooded Teens
The trouble escalated when over 100 hooded youths stormed a Lululemon store, according to officers and NBC10 Philadelphia. Social media clips show masked teens dashing out with loot, as cops tackled several suspects to the ground. Despite the chaos, no serious injuries were reported.
However, a security guard at a nearby Foot Locker was reportedly assaulted amid the madness, CBS Philadelphia noted.
20+ Arrests as Authorities Crack Down
More than 20 suspects, mostly teens, were arrested following the spree, the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed. Acting Police Commissioner John Stanford said social media helped the youngsters coordinate the attacks, with a “caravan of cars” moving from shop to shop around the city.
By midnight, police had regained control, bringing an uneasy calm back to the beleaguered city centre.
