This was the scene caught on tape inside a 7-Eleven on Broad Street in South Philly during a violent struggle between an armed robber and a 21-year-old South Philadelphia man who was forced off the street at gun point.
"Next thing you know somebody is physically assaulting you and putting to your head an extremely large caliber semi-automatic handgun," said Capt. Larry Nodiff of South Detectives.
As the robber and his victim struggle, you can clearly see the gun come out and a 7-11 employee come to the victim's aid. The struggle continued, but finally ended when the gunman backed away and fled. The victim and the 7-Eleven employee were shaken, but not injured.
"Although it's risky, in this particular case, they were heroic in their actions," Nodiff said.
"He tried to help out an innocent bystander and maybe prevented the guy from getting hurt," said store owner Joe DiFabritiis.
The terrifying ordeal started when the victim was approached for a lighter on the 2200 block of Rosewood.
The suspect produced a gun, stole his cell phone and ordered him to remove cash from an ATM at a TD Bank on Broad at Jackson.
Then, the gunman forced the victim down the block to the 7-Eleven where he made him buy a $10 pack of cigarettes. That's when the victim turned on the suspect.
"The guy tried to stop the guy cause he was going to try and take him home, I think was the word," DiFabritiis added.
Police and store owner Joe DiFabritiis praised the efforts of his employee and the victim. They hope someone will recognize the gunman and turn him in.
"We got a good picture of him. I believe he will be captured and we'll have another bad guy off the street," he said.
The victim was not available to speak with Fox 29 Wednesday. The suspect is 5'5", about 25-years-old with a thin build. He was wearing a gray striped hooded sweatshirt.
Anyone with information should call South Detectives at 215-686-3013 or just dial 9-1-1. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:13 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:13:23 GMT
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:54:35 GMT
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
Monday, May 13 2013 7:02 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:02:49 GMT
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
Thursday, May 9 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-09 21:09:22 GMT
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:38:51 GMT
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:33:17 GMT
Brides are eager to take the last name of their husband after they tie the knot. Recent studies show that only 18% of women are interested in keeping their maiden names- which is down from a record high
More women are going retro when it comes to their last names after they marry, and taking their husband's surname.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:18:39 GMT
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:36:58 GMT
In a day and age where pampering our dogs is at the top of the to-do list, and our furry friends are on social media, there is a new question to consider- just how smart are our pets? Dognition is giving
What's your dog thinking? Exciting new research that could have you reading your best friend's mind.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:00:09 GMT
It feels like summer out there. We're expecting milder temperatures than yesterday: highs in the mid 80s. Just like summer, it'll be humid, with a chance of a few spotty showers during the day.
This pattern stays in place until Thursday, when strong thunderstorms usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Surveillance video captures a victim fighting off a would-be robber. (Philadelphia Police Department)
