Cops nab Delco serial robber with affinity for Swiss Farms

Update: As a result of a county-wide alert issued by Upper Darby Police today, authorities from Tinicum Township checked all area motels and discovered Charles Kenney, his girlfriend and their vehicle at a Motel 6 in the township, said Upper Darby Superintendent Michael Chitwood. They were taken into custody without incident and the investigation remains ongoing.

An armed serial robber who has held up eight stores - including five Swiss Farms - in Delaware County since Oct. 19 has been identified as "major heroin addict" Charles Kenney, 29, said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.

Police are actively searching for Kenney, who is considered to be armed and dangerous. Swiss Farms and the Upper Darby Police Foundation are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Kenney, of Upper Darby, is believed to be in the company of his girlfriend, who may have been the getaway driver in each of the robberies, Chitwood said. Police are not releasing her name at this time but she is also a "major heroin" addict, said Chitwood. The couple may be traveling in a 1997 four-door Nissan Altima with license plate number JDF5953, according to police.

Kenney has targeted five Swiss Farms, a beauty salon, a Subway and a CVS in Upper Darby, Springfield, Havertown and Marple, according to police. His most recent alleged robbery was just last night at a Swiss Farms in Marple. He has progressed from simulating a weapon to using a knife to brandishing a gun and police are afraid if he continues, he may seriously hurt someone.

"He's in desperate need of heroin to keep himself going," Chitwood said. "That's when these guys have the potential to be violent, especially armed with a gun."

Kenney is currenlty on probation for burglary and drug offenses, according to police. It's believed he's stolen a total of around $2,000, Chitwood said.

"I guarantee you, it's going right in his arm," he said.

Chitwood urged Kenney to turn himself in because if police find him first, they will approach him as if he is armed and dangerous.

"The best thing he can do is surrender. He can only get so far," Chitwood said. "He's like a rat being cornered."