Rite Aid stick-up suspect nabbed in Chester

A balding, heavy-set man suspected in four armed robberies of Rite Aid stores across Philadelphia was arrested this afternoon at a Chester motel, police said.

Alan Pierce, 39, formerly of Northeast Philadelphia, is being charged tonight with all four robberies, said Capt. Laurence Nodiff, commanding officer of South Detectives. Pierce initially was sought on an arrest warrant for one of the robberies.

Pierce was apprehended inside his room at the Highland Motel at 1998 Concord Rd. by a Major Crimes Unit fugitive task force at 1:25 p.m., Nodiff said.

The distinctive image of the hefty culprit was captured on surveillance video and made public in the media. An anonymous tipster called South Detectives on Saturday and identified Pierce as the suspect in the robberies, Nodiff said.

Another tip to Major Crimes led police to the motel today, where they also found what they believe was Pierce's getaway vehicle.

Nodiff said Pierce most recently robbed a Rite Aid in the 7941 Oxford Ave. in Northeast Philadelphia on Monday.

And last Thursday, Pierce allegedly robbed a Rite Aid in the 7972 Castor Ave. He allegedly robbed a Rite Aid in the 8445 Frankford Ave. South Detectives on Monday obtained an arrest warrant for Pierce for a July 20 robbery of a Rite Aid that allegedly netted him more than $3,000.

Pierce is being charged with four counts of robbery, aggravated assault, and related offenses.

Contact staff writer Robert Moran at 215-854-5983 or bmoran@phillynews.com.