Two robbed at gunpoint near campus

Two instances of robbery at gunpoint around Penn's campus have been reported recently. University police have apprehended a suspect in one of the cases, and are currently investigating possible connections between the first and the second.

On May 14, a male affiliated with the University was robbed after 1 a.m. on 200 South 42nd Street. Two black males approached the victim and one threatened him with a gun, according to police reports. One of the assailants was described as 5'10," wearing a blue and red basketball jersey and dark shorts. The other was described as 6' and dark skinned.

The following evening, one Penn student and two Drexel students were reportedly robbed in a similar fashion at 41st and Woodland streets between 10 and 11 p.m. The students were approached by a male wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and a New Jersey Nets hat who threatened them with a gun, according to the police log book.

University police have arrested Shawn Joyner, 20, in connection with the May 15th robbery. As a result of the arrest, University Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Bill Danks said that University detectives were able to recover the money taken in the May 15th robbery.

"We are investigating the fact that the two robberies may be connected," Danks said, noting that the gun used in both robberies was the same model.

Joyner is charged with three counts of robbery theft, one count of recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats and violation of uniform fire acts.

In an incident University Police say they believe was unrelated, a male student was reportedly approached by 4 individuals, all tall black males in their early twenties on May 14th between 10 and 11 p.m. at 36th and Ludlow streets. According to police reports, the men threatened to use a weapon against the student, and were last seen running west with the victim's wallet and cell phone. No one was injured and the victim never saw the assailants draw a weapon.

University police do not believe this incident is related to the other robberies.

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