January 15, 2016
The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections and the 22nd Police District have issued a public notice warning of a man who has been approaching city residents and claiming that their properties are going to be demolished by the city.
According to a news release, the male suspect approached residents at three separate locations on Jan. 8 and Jan. 13. The first incident occurred on the 2500 block of North Colorado Street, followed by run-ins on the 2400 block of West Cumberland Street and the 2400 block of West Sergeant Street.
The suspect is described as an African-American male between 50-60 years old and around 5'7'' tall with a partial goatee. Residents approached by the man say he wore a reflective vest and a yellow hard hat and drove a dark green Volvo station wagon with Pennsylvania tags.
Officials with L & I confirmed that the suspect is not one of their employees. Inspectors with L & I can be identified by clothing with the department's name and insignia. They are required to present proper identification when appearing for an inspection.
Residents have been advised to make sure that they always request from any person claiming to be a representative of Philadelphia agencies and departments.
Anyone who comes into contact with the suspect is asked to call 911. If there is doubt about whether a property is scheduled for demolition by the city or a private party, the public is advised to call L & I at 215-686-2400.
