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(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S West '93 Dix Hills, N. Y. University President Judith Rodin outlined the components of the University's master security plan in February as part of her ongoing effort to improve safety both on and off campus. Included in the plan is the creation of Community Walks throughout campus, the positioning of new security and information kiosks at strategic points along the walks and the development of uniform safety standards for campus building and security personnel. In addition, the Division of Public Safety will double its bicycle patrols, putting 10 more officers on bikes, and install at least 14 new blue light emergency phones. The kiosks, along with the blue light phones will cost the University an estimated $225,000, according to Executive Vice President John Fry. The kiosks will be manned by Allied Security guards seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 5 a.m, and blue light phones will be attached to the structures. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said the Allied guards will improve security by providing additional "eyes and ears." Kuprevich said University Police officers will be redeployed to focus more on the perimeter of the Community Walks, where the level of crime is higher. Before the kiosks were built, Allied guards patrolled the Community Walks seven days a week, from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Kuprevich said the walking patrols were used as a temporary measure to improve security until kiosk construction was completed. But he added that Allied guards stationed inside the kiosks will periodically leave their posts to patrol Community Walks. Since the Allied guards started patrolling in February, Kuprevich said crime on campus has reduced. The Community Walks are Locust Street between 33rd and 43rd streets, 36th Street between Chestnut Street and the Nursing Education Building, and Walnut, Spruce, and Pine streets from 39th to 43rd streets. The security kiosks are located at the intersections of 33rd Street and Smith Walk, 36th and Sansom streets, 37th Street and Locust Walk, 38th Street and Hamilton Walk, and 40th and Locust streets.
(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S. West '93 Dix Hills, N. Y. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich will resign his position at the University on July 31. Announcing his resignation in April, he said he had finished all he wanted to accomplish at the University and is ready to pursue new challenges elsewhere. Immediately following his resignation, a nationwide search was initiated to find a replacement, according to Executive Vice President John Fry. Fry said a new commissioner will be in place when Kuprevich leaves. Although Kuprevich has not said if he has a replacement job, sources said in early May that he was a finalist for police commissioner at the University of New Mexico. The University's first commissioner of public safety, Kuprevich oversaw the University's police department and Victim Support and Special Services unit since assuming the post in December 1990. Over his four-year term, he has worked with three University presidents, five executive vice presidents, and three Philadelphia Police commissioners. Kuprevich said he concentrated on preventing crime through "community policing" and expanding the Division of Public Safety. In February of this year, he reported that the total number of campus crimes during 1994 fell nearly one percent from the previous year, and said the general trend has been "very, very similar" over the past several years. University President Judith Rodin applauded Kuprevich's accomplishments. "He has made significant strides in helping us think about a broader and more integrated set of security initiatives," she said. However, many of the officers under Kuprevich's command expressed dissatisfaction with the commissioner during his tenure. Several officers have directly blamed Kuprevich for lowering the department's morale. After the announcement of Kuprevich's resignation, University Fraternal Order of Police President Dave Ball said the commissioner "couldn't keep his promises." And in December, FOP Chief Shop Steward Peggy O'Malley accused Kuprevich of doing "a whole lot of talking and not a lot of doing." Before coming to the University, Kuprevich was in charge of Brown University's police and security force for nine years. His career began as a Pennsylvania State University police officer. Kuprevich then worked at Wayne State University in Detroit for 11 years.
(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S. West '93 Dix Hills, New York Philadelphia Police made a major drug and gun bust after witnessing four heavily armed men tie up and gag a man in an apartment building two blocks from campus last October. When the raid was over at about 11:30 p.m., police had confiscated three weapons, including a TEC - 9 mini - machine gun, an 9-mm automatic pistol and an automatic .45 caliber gun. No one was injured during the raid. In addition to the guns, police confiscated in excess of one pound of uncut crack cocaine with a street value of more over $100,000. One of the men who was arrested was wanted for murder in an unrelated incident in which the victim was shot 23 times. Another man was wanted for robbery and burglary, and the a third had outstanding warrants for felony theft. After officers witnessed the assailants binding the man in the apartment building, they decided to stake out the location. Police waited until two of the gunmen had left the building before taking any action. As soon as the suspects left the building, the two men were immediately apprehended by police. The other suspects were captured only after leading police in a chase through the apartment building.
(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S. West '93 Dix Hills, N. Y. In an act of senseless violence, fifth-year Mathematics graduate student Al-Moez Alimohamed was shot and killed at 47th and Pine streets last August as students were preparing to return to campus. Alimohamed, 27, was shot once in the chest after five men robbed him of a small amount of money and personal belongings at about 11:20 p.m. across the street from his off-campus apartment. Plainclothes Philadelphia Police officers witnessed the robbery, but were unable to prevent the shooting. Eighteen-year-old Antoine Saunders, two 15-year-olds and two 16-year-olds have been charged with murder, robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and possession of an instrument of crime. All of the suspects will be charged as adults and are currently awaiting trial in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. In response to the homicide, University and city officials held a press conference at the 18th District Police Mini-Station at 50th Street and Baltimore Avenue three days after the shooting. At the conference, University President Judith Rodin characterized the murder as a "tragic event." "We are concerned about the safety of our students," Rodin said to an audience of about 40 reporters and residents from the immediate neighborhood. "[Violent crime] is not a West Philadelphia problem, but a problem that affects the whole city." In addition to the press conference, a candlelight vigil and a memorial service were held to remember Alimohamed and express outrage over the incident. Alimohamed's parents, who live in Vancouver, Canada, attended the memorial service in October. They thanked the University community for its support and shared anecdotes about their son. "He probably had the purest heart I could think of," said Iqbal Alimohamed, Al-Moez Alimohamed's father. "The last six months Moez was on top of the world. It couldn't have been more perfect." In honor of Alimohamed, the Mathematics Department will establish a teaching prize for graduate math students in his name. And Alimohamed received his doctorate posthumously in December. In an unrelated incident last summer, Wharton senior Samir Shah was shot in the abdomen during a botched robbery. Shah and two friends were entering a house at 39th and Pine streets, adjacent to the Veterinary School, when two masked men approached them and demanded their money. After the students resisted, one assailant shot Shah with a 9-mm handgun. Shah was taken to HUP and has since made a full recovery. There were no arrests or suspects in that case.
(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S. West '93 Dix Hills, N. Y. Two Jewish students were allegedly threatened at shotgun-point and taunted with ethnic slurs by two other University students, Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush said in March. University spokesperson Barbara Beck said the student who brandished the shotgun was placed on an involuntary leave of absence from the University pending further investigation. The incident began with "an exchange of words" when the two Jewish students walked past the residence of the other two students on their way home, Rush said. She added that during the confrontation, the Jewish students were reportedly called "Jew-boys" by the other two students who were sitting on the front steps of their residence at 39th and Pine streets. The two then went inside and re-emerged with at least one shotgun, according to Rush. The Jewish students immediately contacted University Police and two suspects were taken into custody after police located them in a car at 38th and Spruce streets. Two shotguns and over 140 rounds of ammunition were discovered in the suspects vehicle. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said the Jewish students have refused to press criminal charges against the other two students. Both the names of the Jewish students and the suspects have not been released.
(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S. West '93 Dix Hills, N. Y. A student armed with a loaded 9-mm semiautomatic pistol was arrested by University Police in April during an evening class he was attending in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. The next morning, Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum placed the student, Douglas Murphy, on an involuntary leave of absence from the University. University policies and procedures prohibit the possession of "dangerous articles (such as firearms, explosive materials, etc.)" on University property. Murphy faces criminal charges, on top of sanctions from the University, including stalking, harassment, violation of the Uniform Firearm's Act and terrorism threats, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. The incident began when a student in the class -- who claimed he was previously assaulted by Murphy -- called University Police reporting Murphy had a gun. University Police responded to the call and questioned Murphy about the alleged assault. When University Police searched Murphy, they found the loaded gun in his jacket. A student in the class, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the alleged assault occurred after a disagreement between Murphy and the student two weeks prior to the gun incident. According to that student, Murphy struck the victim and knocked him to the ground three times.
(06/30/95 9:00am)
Half Hollow Hills H.S. West '93 Dix Hills, N.Y. The road to recovery is nearing an end for the six University students injured by cars this year. Engineering and Wharton senior Anthony Ng regained consciousness in April after being in a coma for more than four weeks. He had sustained severe head injuries after losing control of the car he was driving, striking a retaining wall on Kelly Drive in Fairmont Park. Ng is now in a rehabilitation center. Wharton junior Ferdinand Cheuk, a passenger in Ng's car, was also severely injured during the accident. Cheuk underwent surgery for abdominal bleeding, but has since returned to the University. His roommate, College freshman Richard Kim described Lee as "100 percent." Kim added that Lee no longer requires therapy. Post-baccalaureate student Adam Zion, who was injured one block away from the site of Lee's accident when he was struck by a car at 33rd and Walnut streets. He is currently recovering at home. He landed on his face and broke his cheekbone, which actually prevented severe damage to his brain. College senior Thomas Heller suffered a fractured pelvis when he was struck by a taxi at 39th and Sansom streets in November. He said legal action against the taxi driver is still pending. Wharton senior and men's track team hurdler Mark Pan was hit by a University-owned truck outside Bennet Hall at 33rd and Walnut streets in November. He said the accident has curtailed his athletic activities. In response to the four students being struck by vehicles -- three occurring within one block -- University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said efforts were made to improve traffic conditions in the area. He cited student's poor judgement in crossing the busy street as central factor in the accidents.
(05/03/95 9:00am)
The University saw a decrease in violent crimes stemming from post–Penn Relay celebrations compared to the previous year, as nearly 50 University Police officers patrolled on and around campus Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Last year's celebrations were marred by reports of gunshots, stabbings and even incidents of students being dragged from cars and severely beaten. This year saw no such violence, although University and Philadelphia Police officers still responded to four separate fights that broke out Saturday night. The first began at the intersection of 34th and Walnut streets when a bottle was thrown into a vehicle at about 6:30 p.m. University Police Sergeant Tom Rambo said University Police officers dispersed the combatants but made no arrests. A second fight -- with racial overtones -- broke out at 39th and Walnut streets when several white men started chanting "O.J." at a large group of black men at about 8:45 p.m. University Police Chief George Clisby, who was at the scene, said University Police broke up the fight and arrested one man for aggravated assault. A University Police officer was injured in the leg when she intervened in the melee and had to be taken to the Hospital of the University Pennsylvania, Clisby added. The officer was treated and released. In a third incident, 10 men began fighting in front of the Wawa Food Market at 38th and Spruce streets shortly after 11 p.m. The fight then spilled out into the street, prompting University Police to break up the brawl. No arrests were made. And nearly 30 minutes later University Police officers broke up the fourth fight at 38th and Chestnut streets. Again, no arrests were made. Prior to the Relays, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said that his department would be at "maximum" staffing levels during the track meet. He also said Philadelphia and University Police officers would be highly concentrated along Spruce Street between 34th and 38th streets and at 40th and Chestnut streets for the party sponsored by members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity who live in the area. More than 1,000 people were at the Kappa Alpha Psi party, as some 25 police officers contained the crowd to the north sidewalk of Chestnut Street between 40th and 41st streets. University Police Sergeant Keith Christian said there were no incidents at the party, which continued past 4 a.m. Last year, partygoers blocked traffic for hours as the party spread into the streets. Police also said that last year there were a number of reports of gunshots and motorists being harassed at this corner.
(05/03/95 9:00am)
Several animal rights activists reported finding the severed head and skin of what appeared to be a sheep in a garbage facility behind the Hillel Foundation on Saturday afternoon. The animal's remains were wrapped in a bloodstained sheet, along with a notebook, two broken beer bottles, two blue candles and a white rose. On the blood-splattered notebook the following was written: The fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, hereby, relinquish any liability for the undersigned on the night of April 28, 1995. Thirteen signatures were written underneath the message. Two of the signatures appeared to read Joseph Mauro and John Ward. The other eleven signatures were illegible. Ward, a Wharton freshman, said he had no knowledge of the dead animal or the note and refused further comment. Mauro, a College freshman, also said he had no knowledge of the remains or note, but he confirmed that he was a Fiji brother initiated on April 19. A person in the Fiji house who identified himself as the fraternity's president, but refused to give his name, said he had no knowledge of the remains and declined further comment. The dead animal was found 50 feet from the Fiji house at 3619 Locust Walk. University Police responded to the scene at about 3:07 p.m, at which time University Police Detective Supervisor Mike Carroll said he believed the animal was not freshly killed. He said the individuals responsible for the remains could be not be charged with the crime of cruelty to animals if the animal had been killed in a slaughterhouse or by a butcher. University Police Detective Laura Schmerfeld said the animal's severed head was professionally sawed in half, with equipment typically found in a slaughterhouse or butcher shop. The remains were transported to the Veterinary School of Medicine to determine when the animal was killed, Carroll said. He added that there is an ongoing University Police investigation into the incident. The animal remains were discovered by Philadelphia resident Melvin Belser. He said he originally thought the remains were a mop head, but on closer inspection he realized it was an animal's head and skin. Belser said he then told several animal rights activists in front of Van Pelt Library, who coincidentally were protesting the alleged use of dogs in medical training classes by the University. The activists then notified University Police. Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Tricia Phaup refused to comment on the incident Sunday afternoon.
(04/28/95 9:00am)
University Police will be at "maximum staffing levels" in anticipation of the large crowds attending the 101st running of the Penn Relays today and tomorrow, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. The increased Philadelphia and University Police presence on campus is a response to the rash of criminal activity that marred the 1994 relay carnival. Last year, University Police responded to several reports of gunshots, students being dragged from a car and severely beaten, a stabbing and a series of robberies and assaults during the Relay weekend. Kuprevich said the majority of the criminal activity occurred at 40th and Chestnut streets and on Spruce Street, between 34th and 38th streets, which he characterized as "hot spots." At 40th and Chestnut streets, a party of more than 1,000 people spilled out into the street blocking off the entire intersection. This year, Kuprevich said police would be employing similar tactics to those successfully used during last summer's Greek Picnic. The Greek Picnic is an annual gathering of black fraternities and sororities in Fairmount Park that, in past years, has been accompanied by increased reports of crime in University City. In addition, a concentration of University and Philadelphia Police officers will be detailed to the so-called hot spots, Kuprevich said. He also added that the city's division of traffic police will prevent vehicles from circling, or "cruising" campus. Kuprevich believes that the larger-than-expected crowd came to the University area last year because it was the 100th anniversary of the Relays and there were no other major events in Philadelphia over the weekend. He added that today is Hey Day -- the traditional ritual in which the junior class is officially pronounced seniors, and tonight the Philadelphia Phillies will play their season home opener. Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush said that personnel from her unit would be on hand for an extra four hours during the weekend, staying in the University Police mini-station at 3927 Walnut Street until 3 a.m. Last weekend, University Police were also at maximum staffing levels to handle Spring Fling-related events.
(04/24/95 9:00am)
Eight students were arrested early yesterday morning when University Police attempted to clear a crowd of about 3,000 people at Sansom Street's annual Spring Fling block party and a Delta Tau Delta fraternity party, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. Nearly 30 Philadelphia and University Police officers -- including University Police Chief George Clisby and Captain John Richardson -- began to break up both parties at about 1:30 a.m. The Sansom Street block party was located on Sansom Street from 39th to 40th streets, and the crowd spilled around the corner to the DTD party at 39th and Sansom streets. University Police Sergeant Tom Rambo said the arrested students were cited for crimes varying from disorderly conduct to fighting, dancing on cars and "aggressively refusing to leave the block." The eight students cited included former Undergraduate Assembly member Dan Schorr and Daily Pennsylvanian columnist Mike Nadel, sources said. Nadel refused to comment; Schorr was unavailable for comment. In addition to the arrests, Rambo said one student was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after he fell on a broken bottle and injured his leg. Rambo added that to keep the Sansom Street Block Party from getting out of control, as it had in past years, University Police made an agreement with the houses on Sansom Street to stop playing music at 1:30 a.m. and to have partygoers begin filing out. However, DTD Vice President and College sophomore Jason Brenner said the DTD party was not connected with the block party and his fraternity not have an agreement with University Police to turn off the music at a set time. Kuprevich said two of the students who were arrested and cited for disorderly conduct are claiming University Police used an unreasonable level of force. Kuprevich also said the breakup of the parties was "handled extremely professionally" and these two were the only reports of unreasonable force made to University Police. But he added he would be meeting with the two students today to discuss the incident. He also said that the clearing of the parties was part of a series of actions taken by University Police to "maintain order" throughout Fling. Since Thursday night, University Police have responded to an average of 20 disturbance calls per night and taken about six students each day to HUP for alcohol treatment, according to Kuprevich. In addition, University Police also received a large number of noise complaints from neighborhood residents. Kuprevich added that considering the number of Fling events and large number of people involved, the level of University Police intervention was "really minimal."
(04/21/95 9:00am)
Expecting large crowds and an increased number of visitors to the University during Spring Fling, University Police will be at "maximum staffing levels" for the next three days, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. Although he would not specify the number of officers on patrol during Fling, Kuprevich said that all available officers would be working during the weekend. Kuprevich also said that Philadelphia Police would be stepping up patrols near campus. "The objective is to maintain order and prevent damage to property and injuries to persons," he said, adding that police will focus on locations where there have been crimes and disturbances over past Flings. Last year Kuprevich said Fling was becoming increasingly more dangerous. In response to these security concerns, Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone said earlier this month that all Quadrangle lounges will be locked over Fling in response the unusually high levels of vandalism that have occurred in recent years. The increased security and health problems associated with Fling have been attributed to alcohol abuse by students. Drug and Alcohol Resource Team President Jon Brightbill cautioned students not to drink to excess and look after their fellow partygoers. "People should take extra effort to watch out for their friends, but beyond that, have a good time," the Wharton sophomore said. Brightbill added that any student who is sick and needs medical attention or emergency services should immediately contact them, because "you're not going to get in trouble for underage drinking." If there is a wait for rescue services, Brightbill said, "alcohol first aid" should be performed by placing the intoxicated person on their side in a safe and comfortable position. He said this position will prevent the person from choking or drowning in their own vomit.
(04/19/95 9:00am)
Officers issue citations Brett Levinson and Mike Madden Pennsylvania Liquor Control Enforcement officers conducted a series of raids within a two-hour period early this morning at local bars including the Blarney Stone, Cavanaugh's Restaurant, the Palladium Restaurant and Bar and Walsh's Tavern. Plainclothes LCE officers swept through the four bars, ordering all patrons to exit the establishments, according to witnesses. At the Palladium, students attempted to jump out of windows to escape the raid after LCE officers turned the lights on and began checking identification cards at about 11:30 p.m. Students without proper ID were detained by the LCE officers and were forced to take breathalyzer tests, according to Wharton sophomore Aaron Plotkin, who was in the bar at the time. He estimated that 25 people without identification inside the Palladium, located at 36th Street and Locust Walk, were questioned by the officers. Several of them were issued citations for underage drinking, Plotkin added. A similar raid was also conducted at the Blarney Stone at 39th and Sansom streets. Nancy Maleno, a Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science junior, said LCE officers checked the patrons' IDs after turning on the lights. At least four LCE officers ordered everyone without proper ID to the rear of the bar, while the officers checked the legitimacy of the IDs of patrons claiming to be over 21 years old. Witnesses said approximately 10 individuals were issued underage drinking citations. As the raid started, many people rushed to leave the bar to avoid being questioned by the LCE officers. One ID, apparently dropped in haste as a patron was leaving the bar, is believed to be a fake driver's license. The New Hampshire address listed on the ID does not exist, according to Directory Assistance. At Walsh's Tavern, at least four LCE officers stormed through the back door of the bar at about 1:15 this morning. But students leaving the bar at 43rd and Walnut streets said they had been warned of the impending raid in advance. "The guy at the door said, 'You don't want to be here,' " College senior Jon Mantell said, adding that he left the bar 15 minutes before the raid began. By the time LCE officers arrived, almost everyone under 21 had left the bar after the band playing announced the LCE was on its way. But Justin, a LaSalle University student who would not give his last name, said he was issued a citation for possessing a fake ID, which was later confiscated. And Engineering senior Benjamin Kaplan said he saw one other patron receive a citation. In addition, a fourth raid was conducted at Cavanaugh's at 39th and Sansom streets, although few details on the incident were available. After the bars were shut down by the LCE, several patrons milled around the entrances. Some even taunted the officers. "Just because you're walking me out tonight doesn't mean I'm going to give you a kiss when I get home," College junior Roee Wiczyk said to officers at the Palladium. LCE officers at the Blarney Stone, Cavanaugh's, the Palladium and Walsh's refused to comment about the raids.
(04/14/95 9:00am)
Nationwide search announced for replacement University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich announced last night he would resign his position at the University on July 31. Kuprevich said he has finished all he wanted to accomplish at the University and is ready to pursue new challenges elsewhere. As the University's first commissioner of public safety, Kuprevich oversaw the University's police department and the Victim Support and Special Services unit since assuming the post in December 1990. "When I came to Penn there was a purpose to help create a safer environment and I think I've done that," Kuprevich said. Although he does not have other jobs lined up, Kuprevich said he will continue to stay in "campus law enforcement." Kuprevich said he concentrated on preventing crime through "community policing" and the expansion of the Division of Public Safety. And his efforts have resulted in a decrease in the number of criminal incidents, Kuprevich said. University President Judith Rodin applauded Kuprevich's accomplishments. "He has made significant strides in helping us think about a broader and more integrated set of security initiatives," Rodin said last night. As for a replacement, Executive Vice President John Fry said he will start a "very thorough national search" for Kuprevich's replacement beginning next week. Fry, who received Kuprevich's letter of resignation Monday, said he was confident a new commissioner would be in place by July 31. "We are going to continue and move ahead aggressively -- and we are not going to take a break for transition," Fry added. "We have a day-to-day responsibility to keep this campus safe and secure." By having a replacement by July 31, Fry said it would give the next commissioner the entire month of August to become comfortable with the position before students return to the University for classes in the fall. Fry said the next commissioner's transition would be smooth because Kuprevich has "put in some very good people over the last couple of years." Before coming to the University, Kuprevich was in charge of Brown University's police and security force for nine years. At Brown, Kuprevich was credited with expanding the university's police department and improving relations between Brown and state and local police. He also helped create a volunteer program to help female crime victims. He also survived scandals there in which Brown University students were robbed on a weekly basis by local gang members and Brown security officers were charged with participating in a campus theft ring. Kuprevich's career began as a Pennsylvania State University police officer. He then worked at Wayne State University in Detroit for 11 years.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
DA issues two criminal charges The Wharton evening student caught carrying a loaded 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol in class has been placed on "an involuntary leave of absence," Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said yesterday. In addition, University Police Chief George Clisby said the District Attorney's Office had charged Murphy with violating Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act and with one count of harassment. But as of yesterday afternoon, Murphy had not been arraigned, Clisby added. "I felt it was extremely important to act immediately to make the statement that this is a direct threat to safety," McCoullum said. Although McCoullum said she is prohibited from releasing the suspended student's name, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said the suspect is Wharton evening student Douglas Murphy. University Police officers discovered the gun while questioning Murphy about an incident in which he allegedly harassed a student in his Marketing 24 class two weeks ago. The officers then arrested Murphy after they found the loaded handgun in his jacket, according to University Police Sergeant Tom Rambo. The student who was reportedly assaulted by Murphy is also claiming that he received a threatening phone call from Murphy more than a week ago, according to Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel. Janice Bellace, deputy Wharton dean, said that this incident was Murphy's first disciplinary infraction since he started attending Wharton evening classes in 1992. She also said the school was not aware of the alleged assault or the threatening phone call prior to Murphy's arrest. But after the incident, Bellace said several students in Murphy's class came forward and reported witnessing the assault. Bellace added that the incident has left Murphy's classmates concerned about their safety. In an effort to make the students feel more comfortable, a Victim Support and Special Services officer will be present in future classes. This incident, combined with the student who threatened two other students at shotgun point last month, has left administrators outraged. "This is a community where we need a higher standard of behavior and we need to hold people accountable," McCoullum said, adding that the University community must come together and condemn the actions of these students. "[Because] the administration acted as quickly as possible is a sign that we won't tolerate this sort of thing on Penn's campus," University spokesperson Barbara Beck added.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
Police fine 9-mm semiautomatic A student armed with a loaded 9-mm semiautomatic pistol was arrested by University Police yesterday as he was attending evening classes in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall, University Police Sergeant Tom Rambo said last night. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich confirmed today that Wharton evening student Douglas Murphy was arrested by University Police. And University Police Sergeant Larry Salotti said early this morning that the student has not yet been arraigned. Rambo said the incident began when a student, who claimed he had been previously assaulted by Murphy, called University Police at about 7:51 p.m. after he was told by another classmate that the Murphy had a gun in class. University Police responded to the call and questioned Murphy about the incident, in which he allegedly assaulted the student two weeks ago. Subsequently, when University Police searched Murphy, they found the loaded gun in his jacket, Rambo said. Murphy was then transferred to Philadelphia Police Southwest Detectives for investigation. Although Murphy was carrying the gun, Rambo said that it appeared the gun was not registered to the suspect. Kuprevich said that the Vice Provost for University Life has been notified about the incident and will be making disciplinary decisions in the "near future." He added that there has not been a similar incident in his four years at the University. According to the University's Policies and Procedures, "the possession of dangerous articles (such as firearms, explosive materials, etc.) on University property" is prohibited. A student in the class, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said a "disagreement" during a presentation before the class led to the alleged assault two weeks ago. He said Murphy thought the victim was attempting to sabotage his presentation by removing transparencies and turning off the overhead projector before Murphy had finished with his speech. After class, the student said Murphy reportedly struck the victim and knocked him to the ground three times. Rambo confirmed that the victim filed a complaint with Philadelphia Police, however he did not report the incident to University Police. Even though the student was shocked when he saw University Police officers remove a gun from Murphy's jacket, he said expected a second confrontation. "If there are any two students who would conflict with one another, it was these two," the anonymous student added. This incident comes on the heels of a student threatening two other students with a loaded shotgun last month at 39th and Pine streets. The shotgun-wielding student was placed on an involuntary leave of absence two weeks ago by VPUL.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
In an effort to improve campus safety, five new security kiosks will be constructed on and off campus and at least 14 new blue-light phones will be installed in the next six weeks at a cost of $225,000, Executive Vice President John Fry said yesterday. This is part of the University's master security plan, which was unveiled by University President Judith Rodin in February. The plan creates a series of "Community Walks" which will run through the center of campus and along heavily traveled off-campus streets. The five security kiosks and new blue-light phones will be strategically located along the walkways. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said kiosk installation will begin within the next two weeks and will take an additional four weeks to complete. The kiosks will be manned seven days a week by Allied Security guards between 3 p.m. and 5 a.m and have a blue-light phone mounted on the side. Kuprevich added that the walking Allied guard patrols -- which began on February 22 -- will be discontinued after the kiosks are installed. But he said the guards will periodically leave the kiosks to patrol the Community Walks. Kuprevich also said that University Police officers, who were redeployed to focus more on the perimeter of the Community Walks, may see further changes to their patrols. Kuprevich said the Allied guards will serve as additional "eyes and ears" only, and will not replace University Police officers. "[University Police officers] are still responsible for primary policing," he said. "Their jobs have not changed, while their deployment capabilities have improved." Since the Allied guard patrols started, Kuprevich said there has been a noticeable "difference in the number of instances, specifically crimes against person on campus and in the nearby community." He added that he expected the kiosk and phone project to continue reducing the crime level on campus. Fry said he plans to evaluate the latest project at first on a monthly and then on a quarterly basis, by comparing the level of crime before and after the creation of the Community Walks. "The key here is to reduce the amounts of incidents," he added. "Benchmarks of existing incidents will be matched with performance goals and then we will do a gap analysis." According to Stephen Schutt, Rodin's chief of staff, the master security plan was well received by an independent consulting team that viewed the plan last month. Schutt said three of the advisors, former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Tucker, Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Terry Schumard and Secret Service agent Ernie Kun, are "particularly enthusiastic about the initiatives." "[The consulting team] encouraged us to do what we are doing and that is to get this done as quickly as possible," he said. "They think it is a very forward looking program and it is ahead of the curve." Schutt added that the consultants will return to campus in the "near future" to provide further suggestions and comments. The Community Walks are Locust Street between 33rd and 43rd streets, 36th Street between Chestnut Street and the Nursing Education Building and Walnut, Spruce and Pine streets from 39th to 43rd streets.
(04/10/95 9:00am)
Embers from a chimney fire set the top of the Palladium Restaurant's front awning ablaze and forced the evacuation of the crowded restaurant and bar early Saturday morning, according to Philadelphia Fire Chief Pat Campanaro. Although witnesses said patrons exited the building by traveling under the smoldering overhang, University Police Sergeant Larry Salotti said no one was injured in the incident. Campanaro said the chimney blaze started when a fire in the Palladium's fireplace burned out of control, shooting flames up through the two-story high chimney. Embers escaping from the chimney landed on the awning, setting it on fire at about 12:30 a.m. Campanaro added that the embers flew out of the chimney because it had not be cleaned and had been "overloaded" with ashes. Although the awning fire was extinguished by Palladium employees, six Philadelphia Fire Rescue vehicles responded to the scene to extinguish the remaining ashes that were still smoldering on the roof. In addition, firefighters spent nearly an hour investigating the building and the adjacent property owned by the Christian Association to insure there were no other burning ashes. The Palladium was able to reopen later on Saturday since the fire only caused minor damage to the building. College sophomore Matthew Blanchard, who watched the fire from Locust Walk with over 75 other students, compared the chimney to a "Roman candle." He said he could see "wispy flames" and "large burning ashes" coming from the chimney. While most of the crowd stood by as the events unfolded, several students who were attending the Community Service Living Learning Program's Castle Coffee House applauded as the Palladium's awning burned. The coffee house program serves as a non-alcoholic entertainment alternative for students. Palladium management was not available for comment Saturday morning.
(04/04/95 9:00am)
The University chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been suspended for the remainder of the semester after University Police officers witnessed the hazing of a pledge, according to Sig Ep President and Wharton junior Richard Steinmeier. Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Tricia Phaup said that even thought Sig Ep has been placed on probation, the fraternity is "not going off campus by any means." In a statement released by Steinmeier, two Sig Ep brothers were caught escorting a blindfolded pledge from the fraternity house at 40th and Walnut streets to a second residence at 42nd and Locust streets last month. After questioning the pledge and the two brothers, University Police ordered the blindfold to be removed and reported the incident to University officials. According to the University Policies and Procedures Handbook, hazing is any action or situation that "recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student" and is "expressly forbidden." As part of the probation, Steinmeier said the fraternity is prohibited from holding any social activities until the start of the 1995 fall semester. In addition, he said the fraternity must develop a new pledge program within the next several weeks. Phaup said she would have to approve the pledging program after it is first reviewed by Sig Ep's local and national organizations. Steinmeier cited the blindfolding of pledges as a "traditional and ritualistic event" that will be discontinued in the future, although at the time the fraternity did not realize the negative consequences of such practices. He added that he views the incident as a positive experience and believes the fraternity has been treated "more than fairly" by the University. "We deserve the punishment we got," he said "We're going to build on this to have the best pledging program."
(04/04/95 9:00am)
A high-speed police chase and ensuing foot pursuit ended in two arrests after Philadelphia Police tailed a stolen car from Center City until it crashed into another vehicle at 36th and Walnut streets yesterday. At times, the pursuit even spilled over onto Locust Walk. Ninth District Philadelphia Police officers, who patrol Center City west of Broad Street, attempted to pull over a black Chevrolet at 22nd and Walnut streets at about 6:58 p.m. A Philadelphia Police detective said the vehicle was observed driving with an expired license plate. The Chevrolet was able to evade the police, however, in a chase that spanned over 20 city blocks and at times had police cars speeding down Locust Walk in pursuit of suspects. The car led police from Center City on Walnut Street toward West Philadelphia, the detective said, adding that 18th District Police units were notified and then joined in the pursuit once the chase crossed the Schuylkill River. It appeared that the Chevrolet was attempting to turn right onto 36th Street from Walnut when the driver lost control of the car and slammed into the driver's side of a blue Pontiac, injuring the two occupants. Police at the scene said that both the driver and passenger of the Pontiac were taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Police said that five male suspects fled the scene of the accident and were pursued by the Ninth and 18th District Philadelphia Police in addition to University Police officers. Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Thomas Lederer said one of the men was arrested at 36th and Market streets and taken to Central Detectives. The detective also said that a second suspect was apprehended at 43rd and Locust streets, while three men remain at large. He said that the police had determined that the Chevrolet, which had the lock on the passenger side removed, was stolen on March 22. A large crowd gathered at the scene of the accident, which closed 36th Street for nearly an hour. Philadelphia and University Police blocked off 36th Street between Sansom and Walnut streets, diverting traffic from one lane of Walnut Street until the cars involved in the accident could be removed from the scene.
