Suspect Gets Manicure, Then Robs Philadelphia Nail Salon At Gunpoint: Cops

As Pope Francis wrapped up his historic mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway on Sunday, touching on themes of love and beauty, a man in North Philadelphia was a little too far away to hear his words.

The man entered Rockland Nails at about 5:50 p.m. and asked for a manicure, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.

He sat down and received the manicure, but when it was time to pay, he whipped out a sawed-off shotgun.

Not recognizing that as a form of currency, the four employees inside the store got on the ground and pushed cash register drawers toward the suspect.

He frantically rifled through the boxes with one hand, stashing away as many goods as he could, while holding the sawed-off shotgun with the other hand.

“He didn’t even have the patience to wait for the nail polish to dry,” said one reporter with buzz60.

It is not known if he planned to rob the salon from the moment he entered, or if he was dissatisfied with the beautification services rendered.

The suspect eventually made off with an unknown amount of money, and fled east on foot down Rockland Street.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

The suspect is a black male, between 30-40 years-old, with a stocky build and medium brown complexion. He stands about 6’0 and has a salt and pepper beard.

During the robbery, he wore a gray hooded sweatshirt, a dark hat, dark pants, and black and white sneakers, police said.

Anyone with any information on the suspect is asked to contact the Philadelphia PolIce Department at 215.686.TIPS (8477). This electronic form can also be used to submit a tip anonymously.