Police arrest suspect in robbery

Two robberies and one attempted robbery were reported in the area this weekend, leaving many concerned about campus safety. University Police apprehended Maurice Tinley, a 19-year-old black male, in connection with one of the robberies. Investigators are trying to determine if Tinley is tied to the three crimes. According to University Police, the first robbery occurred on Friday around 7:50 p.m. on the 3800 block of Ludlow Street. Two female students reported that a black male approached them from behind and put his hand on the back of one student's head. The two students then handed over their purses, and the perpetrator fled the scene. One of the students reported that the man stole $15, a debit card and a PennCard, while the other reported that he took $25, a cell phone and a Visa card. The students described the perpetrator as a black male in his twenties, around six feet tall, with a thin build and a dark complexion. They also said that he was wearing a black knit hat and a black puffy jacket. A second incident allegedly occurred Friday around 9:14 p.m., just four blocks away on the 3400 block of Ludlow Street. A female complainant unaffiliated with the University reported that a black male attempted to rob her. However, the woman said that she screamed as he approached her, and the perpetrator fled the scene before taking anything from her. The description of the perpetrator involved in the attempted robbery resembles that of the first robbery. The complainant described the perpetrator as a black male, around 20 years old, wearing dark clothing. A third robbery allegedly occurred on Saturday night. A female student reported a robbery around 7 p.m. on the 3700 block of Sansom Street. The perpetrator allegedly stole the student's bag, which did not contain any money, before running away. Following the incident, the student ran to a police car parked next to the 7-Eleven on 38th Street. The police released a description of the perpetrator and ultimately arrested Tinley in connection with the incident. When searched, Tinley was found to possess the cell phone stolen in the first robbery. According to Sergeant John Washington, detectives will continue to investigate the three incidents this week, searching for possible links between Tinley and the three alleged crimes. This weekend, University Chief of Police Tom Rambo urged all Penn students to exercise caution when walking around campus. Rambo reminded students to avoid walking alone and encouraged them to use the University's escort service by calling (215) 898-RIDE or (215) 898-WALK.

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