Cross-dressing criminal sought by police

Cops are searching for a cross-dressing criminal who robbed a Chestnut Hill jewelry store Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. on Germantown Avenue near Graves Lane, police said.

A man walked into the Delphine Gallery, whipped out a silver handgun and ordered the 61-year-old store owner to get on the ground while he robbed the store.

The store owner told police that the man was a wearing a dress, a braided shoulder-length wig, a hat and gloves. He threatened to shoot her if she did not follow his orders, police said.

While the woman was on the floor, the armed robber went to work snatching about $50,000 worth of jewelry. Cops said the store is not equipped with a surveillance camera, thus footage of the incident is not available.

The suspect fled in a light green Ford Explorer, which was last seen heading toward Ardleigh Street from Highland Avenue.

The robber is described as a black man in his mid-20s to early 30s. He is about 5 feet 10 inches tall and has a medium build. He was wearing a navy blue dress and a white cloth mask over his face and nose.

Tipsters are asked to call the Philadelphia Police Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353/3354, or text information to the department at PPDTIP (773847)

Tipsters may also reach the department online.