Groom Robbed Of Rolex Watch After Stepping Out During Wedding Reception

Philadelphia police are searching for multiple suspects, two men who allegedly robbed a groom on Saturday while walking toward National Mechanics Restaurant on South 3rd Street in the Old City.

The suspects exited a sport utility vehicle at approximately 11:45 pm on South 3rd Street in the Old Town neighborhood. They approached the victim with handguns and demanded his Rolex watch. The suspects then took off in the vehicle northbound on 3rd Street.

According to the police, the groom was getting some fresh air during his wedding reception when he was robbed of his watch by two armed men. The suspects were able to run away after the theft. The two men were described wearing all black clothes and reportedly escaped in a dark-colored vehicle. The groom was not injured in the incident.

Police are also investigating many armed robberies that have taken place in Center City during the past weeks. Authorities confirmed to CBS3 that all the robberies in the neighborhoods, including the recent involving the groom, are connected. The robbers seemed to be looking for opportunities to take advantage of innocent people. Based on the investigations, it doesn't matter if people are alone or in a group.

On Friday evening, it was also reported that three armed men, believed to be in their late 20s, stole money and jewelry from pedestrians near 22nd and Sansom streets. Meanwhile, another similar incident occurred on Mozart Place just off Rittenhouse Square.

The Philadelphia Police Department reported 521 homicides so far in 2021. It is a 13% increase compared to last year and is considered to be the city's highest number of killings since 2007. Reported shooting incidents have scaled up to 4.4%, and the number of shooting victims has jumped to about 3% over the last year.

However, the city's rate of total violent offenses is down about 3% year-on-year. Rape, unarmed robberies and aggravated assaults have decreased since last year. Armed robberies have increased to 27% since 2020. Property crime has risen 5% year-on-year.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police at 215-686-TIPS.