A woman enrolled in a program at Penn was raped at gunpoint Sunday night in her room at the Sheraton Hotel, police said yesterday.
Officials believe the assailant was either a guest or the guest of a guest at the hotel, located at 3549 Chestnut Street, according to University police Chief Tom Rambo.
Police described the suspect as a black male of medium complexion with a thin beard, between 20 and 25 years old, of thin build and roughly 5-foot-9-inches to 5-foot-10-inches in height. He was wearing a black ski cap, black hooded sweatshirt, a black jacket with white markings, dark blue jeans and yellow boots.
"This man committed a very serious offense," Rambo said. "It is important that if he is seen, people not take any action of their own but contact the Penn Police immediately."
The incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night and was reported to Penn Police by hotel officials shortly afterward. The woman, who is 21 years old and enrolled in one of Penn's short academic programs, was not injured.
Director of Special Services Patricia Brennan took the woman to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for examination shortly after the attack. Counseling and psychological services at the hospital and at the Penn's Women's Center are also being provided through Special Services.
"We are deeply distressed by this disturbing incident," University President Judith Rodin said in an e-mail statement. "Our thoughts are with the young woman, and we will do everything possible to help her through this difficult time. We are also, of course, analyzing our full security once more at the Sheraton and other commercial sites."
Security patrols at the Sheraton Hotel have been stepped up, and security procedures are being examined to determine if further safety measures need to be taken on a regular basis, according to Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush.
Rush said that there are a number of resources available to women at Penn to help them prevent these kinds of incidents. "Anyone who doesn't feel safe should utilize the walking escort or contact the Penn Police. We're here to make people feel safe," she said.
The Penn Women's Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, the office of the Vice Provost for University Life and Brennan hosted an information session yesterday afternoon for Penn students living at the Sheraton. A description of the incident and the suspect, as well as counseling services, were provided.
This incident comes on the heels of a recent sexual assault and a rape in the West Philadelphia area that police believe were committed by a different man.
It is unlikely "at this point [that] this incident has any connection with" the previous attacks, Rambo said.
Many area hotels were crowded this weekend as a result of the NBA All-Star game. But according to Rambo, there have been no witnesses or reported sightings of the alleged rapist. Rambo also stated that there was no indication that the suspect is still at the Sheraton or in the area, but he said "anything is possible."
The Penn Police urge anyone with any information about the suspect to contact them.
