Philadelphia Police Arrest Man in String of Armed Robberies Across Kensington

Philadelphia police arrested 47-year-old Tyree Hatch on Monday in connection with a string of armed robberies that terrorized residents across multiple neighborhoods. Investigators say Hatch is responsible for three violent encounters, including one robbery that ended with a shooting. Police announced the arrest during a Tuesday afternoon news conference where they shared new surveillance video of the incidents. The crime spree has extended beyond Kensington, with authorities investigating a broader pattern of armed robberies hitting convenience stores and other businesses across the region. Police and federal investigators said they're investigating seven armed robberies at local stores throughout the Philadelphia area, a crime spree that has spread through four counties. Three robberies occurred in Delaware County, two in Montgomery County, and one each in Bucks County and Philadelphia. All of the robberies happened within a 10-day period. Investigators have identified a pattern in the robberies, suggesting the perpetrators are experienced criminals. At least one robber was seen wearing bright green gloves in multiple hold-ups. In several incidents, two men armed with handguns were observed wearing sunglasses, ski masks, hoodies and sweatpants. The FBI has joined the investigation, believing these individuals have committed similar crimes before. Violence has been a recurring theme in Kensington robberies this month. In one incident, a 16-year-old armed with a fake gun was shot in the leg after attempting to rob a 21-year-old man licensed to carry a firearm on the 2200 block of Emerald Street. The armed citizen fired three shots, and detectives recovered both the man's 9mm handgun and a replica weapon belonging to the suspects. Additionally, police conducted a pharmacy robbery pursuit that ended with two suspects arrested in Port Richmond after officers discovered approximately $5,000 worth of narcotics in their vehicle.