Philadelphia Police Looking For Armed Suspect Accused Of Violent Crimes In 3 Counties

Philadelphia Police are on high alert for an armed suspect who committed multiple crimes in three counties in the region, all in one day. The suspect, who has been identified, was considered armed and dangerous, and the police department urged the public to keep an eye out to help catch him.

Zahkee Austin, 22, from Philadelphia is a suspect in an attempted homicide in Middletown Township, and an armed robbery 48 miles away in West Goshen Township. He was also accused of another alleged armed robbery, carjacking, and shooting in Philadelphia. All of these crimes were committed Monday morning, CBSNews reported.

Austin first broke into a home where a man and woman resided, around 1 a.m. ET in Middletown Township, Delaware County. He fled after shooting the man, police said, 6abc.com reported. The victim was hospitalized.

The suspect then drove to West Goshen Township, Chester County where he was caught on video approaching a store clerk, and demanding money around 2:15 a.m. He managed to drive away with the cash, no shots were fired.

The vehicle he was seen driving – a 2020 Chevy Malibu – was reported to have been carjacked. "The vehicle he allegedly fled north on High Street in West Goshen. It was previously reported to be carjacked in Philadelphia earlier in the night," West Goshen Police Captain Justin Dimedio reportedly said.

Austin then drove another 44 miles away and arrived at a mini-market on Ogontz Avenue in Philadelphia County, where he tried to pull the previous stunt. The store clerk grabbed his own gun and opened fire. Austin ran from the scene on foot, abandoning the stolen vehicle which was then seized by the police.

Austin is not believed to be hurt by the gunfire and is still on the loose. He is considered armed and dangerous and people with information about his whereabouts, and sightings are encouraged to be reported to the PA State Police – Media Barracks, CIU at 484-480-1000.

With rising crime in Philadelphia, the police force is facing a shortage of 600 officers which amounts to roughly 10% of its full force, ABCNews reported. "It's already critical, was critical a year ago," PPD Commissioner Danielle Outlaw told the outlet.