Alleged rapist arrested at McDonald's

UPPD nabs suspect in line University Police officers apprehended a suspected sex offender in the McDonald's at 40th and Walnut streets last night after he allegedly raped a woman nearby. The suspect is currently in police custody pending arraignment for raping the woman, who is not affiliated with the University, near 40th and Market streets. At about 9:20 p.m. yesterday, University Police Officer Tracy Thomas spotted a man matching a description broadcast by Philadelphia Police radio standing in line at McDonald's. Thomas called University Police headquarters and officer Phil Lydon joined him to make the arrest. Scores of University Police backup officers arrived on the scene. The man was then held outside of McDonald's for about 30 minutes, until Philadelphia Police could bring the complainant to the scene to identify her assailant. The woman was visually shaken up at the scene and positively identified the man. Thomas and the suspect were then transported to the Philadelphia Police's Sex Crimes Unit. The Unit will be responsible for investigating the alleged rape. As of last night, though, the man had not been charged, according to Philadelphia Police Sergeant Thomas McDevitt. "That's just a solid good piece of police work," University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said last night. "It's good probable cause, and in this case, it turned out to be the right person. That's a great piece of work." Kuprevich said he was happy with the arrest, adding that this type of performance is characteristic of University Police officers. "I think that our officers pretty consistently work to do a good job for the University," he said. "I think they're very astute in watching things. [And] I think not only the University but also the city police department benefits from working with them." Kuprevich said Thomas' arrest is only one example of the work officers in his department have done. "They've made some very good apprehensions," he added. "It just adds to the safety of the University, and [Thomas's performance was] a very good compliment for the jobs that the officers do."