A series of bold robberies at a local Exxon gas station has led to the arrest of a 35‑year‑old Philadelphia resident, according to the police department.
The Series of Robberies
Between Nov. 22 and 25, 2025, Nikale Brandon Mitchell entered the Exxon K‑Shop on the 7900 block of Verree Road in the Fox Chase neighborhood three times. Each time he carried a black handgun and threatened the workers before taking cash, lottery tickets and other merchandise.
- Nov. 22 – Mitchell, wearing a red bucket hat, pointed the gun at a cashier and demanded money and lottery tickets, leaving with about $1,500, tickets and other items.
- Nov. 23 – He returned in a ski mask and black hoodie, forced his way behind the counter and stole more than $500, additional lottery tickets and assorted goods.
- Nov. 25 – After taking roughly $700 from the register, he compelled a worker to hand over the keys to gaming machines, along with cash and scratch‑off lottery tickets.
Detectives linked the incidents to Mitchell because of the consistent location, the use of a handgun, his physical description and the specific clothing he wore during each robbery.
The Arrest
On Nov. 29, officers stopped Mitchell while he was driving a stolen U‑Haul truck. Inside the vehicle they found a handgun, several books of Pennsylvania Lottery tickets and other items that matched those reported stolen from the Exxon K‑Shop.
The next day, after obtaining a search warrant, detectives entered Mitchell’s home. They seized a loaded rifle, clothing that matched the robber’s attire, and the stolen keys to the gaming machines.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Mitchell was formally charged on Dec. 1 with robbery, theft and related offenses. The indictment includes:
- Multiple counts of armed robbery
- Theft of cash, lottery tickets and tobacco products
- Possession of a loaded firearm
The case is now pending in the Philadelphia court system.
Key Takeaways
- A 35‑year‑old man, Nikale Brandon Mitchell, committed three armed robberies at the same Exxon K‑Shop in late November.
- He used a handgun, threatened employees, and stole cash, lottery tickets and gaming machine keys.
- Arrested after a stop of a stolen U‑Haul, police recovered weapons and evidence linking him to the shop.
- A search warrant uncovered a rifle and matching clothing at his residence.
- Mitchell faces robbery and theft charges filed on Dec. 1.
Closing
The arrest demonstrates the police department’s swift response to a series of coordinated violent crimes. By linking the robberies through location, tactics and attire, detectives were able to build a solid case that culminated in the seizure of weapons and the charging of the suspect. The community can expect further updates as the case proceeds through the court system.
