Patrick Harrison, Armed Robbery, Pennsylvania 2021

A brazen armed robbery at a West Philadelphia pharmacy in November 2021 has led to federal charges against Patrick Harrison, a 39-year-old Pottstown resident.

According to the indictment, Harrison entered a Rite-Aid located at 5040 City Avenue, brandished a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, and demanded money from store employees. The defendant allegedly fled the store after stealing approximately $600.

As the indictment alleges, Harrison recklessly brandished a firearm during this brazen armed robbery, placing everyone in the community in danger, said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division.

‘As alleged, this defendant waved a loaded gun in the faces of Rite-Aid employees simply doing their jobs and got away with $600,’ said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. ‘Law enforcement experts have said that the majority of violent crimes committed in and around Philadelphia are perpetrated by a small number of brazen criminals.’

Harrison is charged with Hobbs Act robbery, carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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