2 men charged in robberies involving laser-equipped guns in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have arrested two 19-year-old men accused of carrying out a string of seven armed robberies across the city earlier this month, including attacks in which guns equipped with lasers were used.

Kyreme Hunter and Jaiden Bethea were arrested after police raided two homes this week, authorities announced at a news conference Thursday.

(The video featured above is from a previous report)

Each is charged with seven counts of robbery, criminal assault and related offenses.

Surveillance video captured many of the robberies, which targeted people carrying bags, outside ATMs and on city streets.

Investigators also identified distinctive guns used during the robberies. One had a green slide, while another was equipped with a flashlight and blue laser attachment.

Surveillance video showed the laser being pointed at a victim.

"All of these robberies were committed by the same two offenders, and appeared to be crimes of opportunity," Philadelphia police Capt. Jason Smith said.

In one case near the Four Seasons on Arch Street, a man waiting for a ride was knocked to the ground and robbed.

"That man was waiting for an Uber ride, I believe. He gets knocked to the ground, he's scared for his life. They're flashing the flashlight at him, the blue laser... it was a harrowing ordeal for this individual for sure," Smith said.

Police said the recovery of a stolen Honda helped investigators in the case, adding that both guns were recovered at Bethea's home.

One had its serial number scratched off, while the other was a ghost gun.

Investigators do not believe the seven robberies are connected to a separate series of robberies involving AR-style rifles in Center City in August. Police said they have one suspect in that case and are close to making a second arrest.

Police said there were no serious injuries in the robberies.