10-Year-Old Suspect in Carjackings Sparks Major Police Manhunt in Philadelphia

Philadelphia police are on the hunt for two suspects, including a child as young as 10, in connection with a series of armed carjackings that have shocked the community.

At a Glance

Philadelphia police are searching for two suspects: a 17-year-old male and a boy as young as 10 years old
The suspects are connected to at least four armed carjackings between August 16 and August 22
Incidents occurred in various parts of North Philadelphia, targeting victims in parked cars and on the street
The youngest suspect’s involvement has raised serious concerns about juvenile crime in the city
Police have released surveillance footage and are asking the public for information

Series of Violent Carjackings Unfold

Philadelphia residents are on edge as police search for two young suspects believed to be responsible for a string of armed carjackings. The suspects, described as a 17-year-old male and a boy who could be as young as 10, have allegedly carried out at least four carjackings between August 16 and August 22 in North Philadelphia.

The first incident occurred on August 16 around 10 p.m. on the 1000 block of Girard Avenue. The suspects approached a man outside his car and, using a handgun, stole the vehicle. Just two days later, on August 18, at approximately 2 a.m., another carjacking took place on the 1300 block of W. Cumberland Street. The suspects forced the victim out of the driver’s seat and stole the car.

Police in Philadelphia are searching for two young armed carjacking suspects, including one as young as 10-years-old. https://t.co/k458D5CSX4

— FOX 29 (@FOX29philly) August 27, 2024

Escalating Violence and Community Concern

The situation escalated further on August 21, when the suspects were involved in a car crash with a previously stolen vehicle near Broad Street and Allegheny Avenue. Undeterred, they proceeded to rob a man in a parked car on the 1300 block of W. Ontario Street shortly after the crash.

“Philadelphia police are searching for two suspects — one who is 17 years old and another who could be as young as 10 — in connection with a series of armed carjackings.” https://6abc.com/post/child-teenager-sought-after-series-armed-carjackings-philadelphia/15232825/

The most alarming incident occurred on August 22, just before 6 a.m., on the 2000 block of W. Girard Avenue. A 74-year-old woman was pushed to the ground as the suspects stole her keys and wallet. This time, the suspects were reportedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun, highlighting the dangerous nature of these crimes.

Community Response and Law Enforcement Action

The involvement of such a young child in these violent crimes has sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia community. Law enforcement officials are grappling with the challenges of addressing juvenile crime while ensuring public safety. The police have released surveillance footage of the suspects and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to their apprehension.

“Police described the older suspect as a 17-year-old who is about 5 feet 8 inches tall. The younger one is believed to be 10-12 years old and no more than 5 feet tall.” https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-carjacking-suspects-10-year-old/

The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact them at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit tips anonymously online. The public is advised not to approach the suspects if spotted, but to immediately call 911.

As this manhunt continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of youth involvement in serious crimes. The community and law enforcement must work together to prevent young individuals from being drawn into such dangerous criminal activities and to ensure the safety of all Philadelphia residents.