Second suspect sought in Center City robbery of elderly woman

A Grays Ferry man with a long criminal record is being sought by police as the second suspect who robbed a 93-year-old woman in her Center City apartment building on Aug. 16, the District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Clifton Rowe, 48, of the 2300 block of Montrose Street, is accused of being the accomplice of Michael Crump, 48, of North Philadelphia, who was apprehended last week.

According to Philadelphia court records, Rowe has been arrested more than 25 times since 1991 and has served jail terms. He is on probation.

Rowe's most recent arrest was March 2, when he was charged with robbery, conspiracy, and theft. He was acquitted July 23 in a nonjury trial before Municipal Judge Roxanne Covington.

Crump was arrested Aug. 25 and charged with robbing the woman in the elevator at 1500 Locust St. Her wrist was broken during the attack. He was apprehended after he and another man, who escaped, allegedly stole a wallet from a woman on a bus in the 3600 block of North Sixth Street.

Crump is being held on robbery, conspiracy, assault, and related charges, with bail set at $25,000 pending a Sept. 10 preliminary hearing. Rowe is being sought on similar charges.

Crump, of the 2400 block of North Gratz Street, is also charged with the attempted robbery of a 29-year-old woman pushing a baby stroller in the 1500 block of Chestnut Street on July 19.

Police have said they believe Crump was involved in at least two other Center City incidents involving another accomplice. He also has a long criminal record, including more than 25 arrests dating to 1981 and multiple convictions and prison terms.

At the time of Crump's arrest, he was free on $5,000 bail on assault and conspiracy charges from a Feb. 7 arrest.