Cops seeking shooter of check-cashing store owner

Philly police said they have zeroed in on the man who shot and killed the owner of a North Philly check cashing store last weekend.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 31-year-old Eric Locke, said Philadelphia Capt. James Clark at a news conference this afternoon. Locke lives a block away from the B & R Check Cashing store at 26th and Sterner Streets where 53-year-old Joel Blumer was killed on March 3.

Blumer, a married father of two who lived in Bucks County, was approached by a man with a gun as he was opening his store at 9 a.m. The gunman shot Blumer and grabbed a duffel bag Blumer was carrying, which police said was filled with cash.

Police believe Locke, who Clark said has a violent history, may have watched Blumer and learned his routines. Blumer was a beloved figure in the neighborhood, and police immediately got many tips from residents of the area, Clark said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police. A reward of $20,000 is available for info leading to Locke's arrest and conviction.