Police say large crowds of youths looted several stores and damaged property throughout Center City Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.
It was around 8 p.m. when police first received reports that large crowds of youths were flocking to Center City, police said.
Stores looted included Footlocker and the Apple Store near 15th, as well as Chestnut and Lululemon in Center City.
Acting Police Commissioner John Stanford said Tuesday night’s looting was unrelated to the peaceful protest that took place earlier after charges against the officer who shot Eddie Irizarry were dismissed.
Stanford also said police have made 15 to 20 arrests so far and recovered two firearms, but she was unsure if they were related to the looting.
Over 100 teenagers and young adults were involved, but police are currently unsure how many businesses were affected.
“We had a bunch of criminal opportunists tonight,” Stanford said.
Cell phone video shared with NBC10 shows a group running out of the Apple Store after looting it.
A cell phone video shows a large group of teenagers looting an Apple Store in Center City Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.
Police said they knew there was a possibility something like this could happen, so they sent personnel to the area after the protest to respond quickly in the event of an incident.
“These weren’t protesters, they were criminals,” Stanford said.
A security guard at Wendy’s, Hakeem Russell, said the store next to Wendy’s on Chestnut was broken into and the security guard was attacked.
“A few kids decided they wanted to take full advantage of the unjust shooting that took place,” Russell said. “There has definitely been unrest here since the verdict.”
Police said it was “disgusting” to see what our city went through in 2020 and that people are trying to recreate it.
A police vehicle was damaged, but there have been no reports of injuries so far, police said.
“Everyone in town should be angry,” Stanford said.
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.