Robber Using Sob Stories To Take Advantage Of People

NEW KENSINGTON (KDKA) - Imagine you're about to get into your car at a gas station or a restaurant and a guy comes up to you desperately asking for a ride. You decide to do the right thing, but the next thing you realize, you have a gun to your side and you're about to become the victim of a crime.

That is 23-year-old Colton Phillipi's story, and he's determined to help police find the person who took advantage of his good nature.

"He's a dangerous man," Phillippi said. "He was at the Exxon in Natrona Heights, asking people for rides. He said his daughter was being beat by her boyfriend, he was giving me this whole sob story."

Not long after letting the so-called concerned father into his car, Phillipi realized he had reason to worry.

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"He pulled out his gun and said give me your money. I gave him 30 dollars and my debit card," he said.

The suspect bolted away.

This same scenario has been reported by multiple people; unsuspecting citizens held up after they try to help out.

Officers say they are looking for a 5'10'' to 6' black man weighing around 200 pounds. The suspect has been reported wearing a black Steelers jacket and a black knit cap.