Mugging victim in critical condition

A 58-year-old University employee is in critical condition following a robbery Monday night outside of Graduate Tower A at 36th and Chestnut streets, according to University Police Captain John Richardson. The employee is being treated for a fractured skull and internal bleeding at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, following the incident which occurred at approximately 11:02 p.m.. According to University Police, the employee was approached from behind by a male suspect who demanded her handbag. When she delayed in handing over her purse, the suspect pushed her, causing her to lose her balance and strike her head on the ground, according to Richardson. "She didn't even have the chance to break her fall," he said. He added that the victim was able to give police a description of her attacker, who was last seen heading north on 37th Street. The suspect is described as a 35-year-old black male, approximately six feet tall and weighing 225 pounds, according to Richardson. He is also described as having severe acne on his face. Although police are doubtful that the suspect had the intent to cause "grievous harm" during the robbery, the suspect will also be charged with aggravated assault due to the severity of the injury. Additionally, if he is found in possession of the victim's handbag, he will be charged with receiving stolen goods, according to Richardson. "We'll let the courts decide on his intent," he said. "This is a very serious injury to an elderly woman. She wasn't a threat to him."