Arrest made following robbery at gunpoint
A male unaffiliated with the University was reportedly robbed at gunpoint early Monday morning. Kenneth Johnson, 21, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The robbery occurred outside of the 7-11 on 40th and Walnut streets at approximately 4:30 a.m.
"An individual jumped out from behind a trashcan and pointed a black handgun," University Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Bill Danks said, adding that "a small amount of cash and an ATM card were taken."
At approximately 4:45 a.m. on the 4400 block of Sansom Street, University police observed a man fitting the description of the assailant. Johnson was subsequently arrested and police recovered the handgun, cash and ATM card.
Johnson has been charged with robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, possession of an instrument of crime, theft, recovering stolen property and threat.
Last month, two cases of robbery at gunpoint were reported by students. Danks said the incidents last month were not connected to Monday's robbery.
-- Laura Sullivan
Series of thefts at Penn Tower Garage
A series of thefts from automobiles occurred over the weekend, with seven people reporting that items were stolen from their cars at the Penn Tower Garage.
As a result of what he termed "smash and grab," thefts, University Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Bill Danks reported that security has been increased and efforts are being made to catch whoever is responsible.
"Our police are all over the place down there," Danks said, adding that the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has increased security in the garage.
However, Danks said no suspects have been identified at this time.
Items ranging from $2,500 worth of jewelry and presents to a pair of $30 sunglasses were allegedly taken from the secured autos, according to police reports. CDs, DVDs, and cell phones were also among the items taken from several of the vehicles.
-- Laura Sullivan
