Man shoots clerk during Northeast Philly smoke shop robbery, police say

police robbery
TERRANCE TAZWELL / METRO FILE PHOTO

A man in an Eagles jacket shot an employee of a Northeast Philadelphia smoke shop during an alleged robbery Sunday night, investigators said.

The shooting happened at around 9 p.m. inside a store on Cottman Avenue, near Castor Avenue, in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood, according to authorities.

Police said the victim, a 31-year-old man, suffered a gunshot wound to his shin, and he was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in stable condition.

No arrests were reported in the immediate aftermath of the incident. The PPD described the shooter as a 5-foot 6-inch heavyset man in his mid-40s with a black-and-blue handgun. He was wearing a gray Eagles jacket, black pants, a blue mask and orange gloves at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call or text the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

More than 980 people have been shot in Philadelphia this year, down about 37% compared to the same point in 2023, according to PPD data.

Counseling, peer support, and victim advocacy services are available for victims, family members, and others affected by gun violence. Go to metrophiladelphia.com/gun-violence-resources for more information.