North Philly robbery suspect surrenders

Robbery suspect surrenders

* Temple University area, North Philadelphia

One of two suspects wanted in a series of gunpoint robberies near Temple University's main campus surrendered to police earlier this week.

Kevin Wilson turned himself in to the 39th District, at 22nd Street and Hunting Park Avenue, about 9 p.m. Monday, police said.

Still being sought is Timothy Ballard, who, like Wilson, has an arrest record, police said.

The pair was wanted for five robberies that occurred Wednesday between 7:45 and 9 p.m. on 15th Street between Norris and Diamond, on Fontain Street between 19th and 20th, on Carlisle Street near Master, on Montgomery Avenue near 9th Street, and on Franklin Street near Master.

Because some of the victims were Temple students, campus police on Friday warned students by email to be cautious.

Olney billiard-club bandit is sought

* Olney Avenue

near Front St.

Police are searching for a man who they say robbed an Olney billiards club at gunpoint last week.

Last Tuesday, the man went into 123 Billiards, on Olney Avenue near Front Street, at 7:15 p.m. and brandished a handgun, demanding money from a cashier on the first floor, police said. He didn't get any money there because the register was empty, so he tried his luck on the second floor. There, he got $300 from a cashier and fled, police said.

Police yesterday released surveillance video of the suspect, whom they described as a thin Hispanic man about 25 years old, about 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 9, with a light complexion and tattoos that are possibly stars on the right side of his neck. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, red and black pajama pants, and white sneakers.

Tipsters should call 215-686- 8477 or contact the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353 or -3354.

Reward for SEPTA driver's shooter

* Vare Avenue at Snyder, South Philly

The Citizens Crime Commission is administering a $5,000 reward for the capture of the man who shot a SEPTA bus driver on Sept. 6.

The gunman fired at least twice through the door of the bus while it was stopped for a layover. The driver was able to drive himself to a hospital. The reward has been posted by Local 234 of the Transport Workers Union.

Anyone with information on the gunman can call the Crime Commission Tipline at 215-546- TIPS.

- Morgan Zalot and staff reports