Penn Division of Public Safety investigating reports of man striking female pedestrians

Penn’s Division of Public Safety is investigating reports that a man riding a bicycle struck female pedestrians in the face in the western part of the University’s patrol zone.

In a campus-wide message sent on Tuesday, DPS wrote that multiple community members reported assaults, most of which occurred between 40th and 44th streets, from Pine to Chestnut streets during the late afternoon and evening hours. According to the Oct. 13 safety advisory, no one has been seriously injured, and police and security patrols have increased in the affected areas.

A request for comment was left with a DPS spokesperson. 

Complainants reported that the man deliberately extended his arm as he rode past them, striking their faces, according to the advisory. The suspect was described as a Black man in his late 30s or early 40s with a dark complexion, medium build, and light beard. Complainants also reported an orange carrier on the back of the suspect’s bicycle, which DPS said may be consistent with a food-delivery service.

The advisory did not specify the number or dates of the incidents or announce any arrests.

“The Division of Public Safety is conducting a thorough investigation of this matter,” the email read.

In 2025, simple assault accounted for 10% of known offenses in Penn’s reporting area. DPS Vice President Kathleen Shields Anderson said in an interview last month that total crime was down 18% compared with the same period last year.

Last September, DPS shared reports of groups of “young people slapping or striking individuals in the head on and near Penn’s campus.” 

DPS urged reporting of suspicious activity in the Oct. 13 message. The email concluded by directing community members to available public safety resources — such as the University’s walking escort and riding services and the Penn Guardian app. 

“Please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings,” the email read. “Never attempt to confront a suspect.”

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