Two suspects in armored car robbery attempt are in custody following a police chase that triggered local lockdowns.
Multiple suspects are currently in custody following a significant police pursuit that unfolded in Lower Merion Township on Friday afternoon. The incident, which began shortly before noon, was triggered by an alleged attempted robbery of an armored vehicle, prompting a detailed response from law enforcement, including the FBI’s Philadelphia division.
The police chase originated in the vicinity of City Line Avenue, leading to heightened security measures in the area, including lockdowns in schools and a shelter-in-place order for residents. Sofia Kettler, a spokeswoman for the FBI, indicated that the agency was working in conjunction with local law enforcement to manage the situation, although she declined to provide additional details, as the investigation is ongoing.
In a proactive measure, the Lower Merion Police Department instructed the community, specifically in the Bala Cynwyd area, to remain indoors and avoid approaching law enforcement. The shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly before 2 p.m., following the apprehension of suspects. Meanwhile, the Lower Merion School District implemented lockdown protocols in at least eight schools, including Lower Merion High School and Belmont Hills Elementary School. The district reassured parents that police were actively pursuing a robbery suspect and there was no immediate danger to students or staff. The lockdown lasted for several hours before officials deemed it safe to resume normal operations.
Saint Joseph’s University, located on the 5600 block of City Avenue, was also placed under a brief lockdown during the pursuit. However, specific details regarding the apprehended individuals remain sparse, as officials have not disclosed the number of suspects taken into custody or the potential charges they may face. The FBI’s lack of immediate response to inquiries further adds to the uncertainty surrounding the case.
Notably, the recent incident raises questions about a series of armored car robberies that have affected the region throughout the summer. In August, the FBI announced a reward of up to ,000 for information leading to the arrest of individuals involved in these robberies, stating that armed suspects had targeted vehicles using handguns and AR-style rifles.
As law enforcement continues to investigate, the community is left with concerns regarding safety and the potential for further criminal activity in the area. Officials are expected to provide additional updates in the coming days to clarify the situation and shed light on any connections between this latest pursuit and previous armored car robberies.
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