Community Alerts from Sergeant Massi (4/23/18)
All,Young Black Male Punching PedestriansWe have received several tips and observed social media posts that reference a black male in his early 20s walking up to pedestrians and punching them, then running away. We had a recent incident on Aramingo Ave. in which a report was made and a suspect has been developed. We are not aware of any other police reports about this male assaulting residents.If you were a victim of an assault by this male in a similar manner please make a police report & notify me so that I may gather all of the reports together. Nothing indicates that this is a "knock-out" game since the male conducts the assaults alone and does not video himself. We do not know what motivates him to do so at this time.Stolen License PlatesAlso, we have a spike in stolen license plates throughout the 26th District with more occurring in Northern Liberties and Fishtown. These tag thefts are unique in that the offenders will remove your tag and replace it with another tag that may be stolen. They do this to mask their identifies when operating in stolen cars or committing other crimes using your license plate. Victims do not realize their license plate has been stolen until they start receiving parking or EZ pass violations. You also may be subject to being stopped by the police if the officer runs your license plate and notices it does not match your vehicle.Checklist:
- Check your license plate and make sure it matches your registration card.
- Purchase after-market license plate security screws to fasten your tag to your car making it harder for criminals to remove.
- Take a picture of your license plate and store it in your cell phone.
- Make sure your registration is up to date (should have your current address). This will assist us in notifying you if we stop a vehicle using your license plate.
- If your license plate was switched, turn that plate over to officers so they may investigate to see if the tag was stolen.
Thank You
John MassiSergeant #8571
26th Police DistrictPhiladelphia Police Department
(work) 215-686-3260/61(cell) 215-327-9156(email) John.Massi@phila.gov