Man in Wheelchair Robbed by Stranger
Police are searching for a suspect who stole a phone and drained a digital wallet in Philadelphia's Chinatown.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Tom Nordeman was charged $856.95 at a GameStop after a stranger stole his cellphone in Philadelphia on Thursday, Oct. 29. The 43-year-old man, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was in Center City when the incident occurred. He had just finished a meal with a man who introduced himself as Ethan.
Nordeman said he offered to buy food for the stranger because he wanted to see the goodness in people. While eating at Philly Steak and Pizza in the 100 block of North 10th Street, Ethan offered to help Nordeman cross the street safely. Nordeman trusted the offer and waited for the man to return. However, once Nordeman crossed and reached the bus stop, Ethan was gone.
Nordeman realized his cellphone was missing from his lap. He began shouting for people to call the police. A stranger let him borrow a phone so he could reach law enforcement. He also called his father, Tom Nordeman Sr., who had already received a warning from Mastercard about two fraudulent transactions. His father confirmed that someone was using Nordeman's digital wallet for multiple purchases.
Philadelphia police identified the man in surveillance video from the restaurant as a person of interest. They describe him as a white male in his 20s with black hair. The suspect went by the name Ethan during the interaction. Police are asking the public for information and have provided the number 215-686-3093 for tips. Residents can also leave anonymous tips by dialing 215-686-TIPS.
Munawar Chaudhary, the owner of the restaurant where the two ate, said the situation is upsetting because the victim could not defend himself. He noted that it is sad when someone takes advantage of another person in that way. Nordeman said the experience made him more cautious about trusting strangers. He stated that he is going to be a lot more careful who he talks to in the future.
Nordeman Sr. expressed disappointment that someone would do this to his son. He described it as difficult to see his 43-year-old son in tears. The family is working with police to identify the suspect based on the video footage obtained from the establishment.
