A woman was robbed of her pocketbook after stopping to help two men restart a vehicle with a dead battery.
PHILADELPHIA — Police are searching for two men accused of robbing a woman at gunpoint after she stopped to help them jump-start a vehicle in Philadelphia’s Hunting Park neighborhood.
The robbery happened shortly before 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the 1100 block of West Courtland Street, according to investigators. Police said the woman, who lives in the neighborhood, encountered two men who appeared to need help because their vehicle’s battery had died. She agreed to assist them and allowed the men to connect jumper cables to her vehicle.
Investigators said the men were able to restart their vehicle with the woman’s help. After the jump-start was completed, one of the men allegedly pulled out a gun and demanded money from her. Authorities said the woman turned over her pocketbook. Police did not disclose how much money or what other property, if any, was inside the bag.
The two men then separated as they fled, according to police. One left the area on foot, while the second drove away in a silver Jeep Compass. Investigators have not publicly identified either man, and no arrests had been announced as of Tuesday.
Surveillance images obtained during the investigation show the two men police are seeking. Authorities said the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Police have not released additional information about their identities or said whether investigators know who owns the Jeep Compass.
The circumstances of the robbery drew attention because the confrontation began with the victim offering routine roadside help rather than being approached during a typical street robbery. Investigators said the woman allowed the men to use her vehicle only to help them restart their own vehicle before the alleged gunpoint demand occurred.
Police have not announced whether the encounter was planned in advance or whether the robbery was carried out after the men received the woman’s help. Authorities also have not released information suggesting that the woman knew either suspect before the encounter. The investigation remains focused on identifying and locating the two men seen in connection with the robbery.
Northwest Detectives is handling the investigation. Police said no arrests had been made and continued to seek information that could help identify the suspects or determine where they went after leaving West Courtland Street.
Author note: Last updated October 27, 2026.