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(11/09/99 10:00am)
Police hope the guns will yield the two men sought in yesterday's heist. After herding three employees into a locked freezer and making off with over $1,500 in cash, the two men responsible for yesterday morning's armed robbery at Mad 4 Mex dropped their guns outside a rear entrance and fled, according to University Police officials. Details surrounding the attack began to emerge yesterday as University Police detectives and their Philadelphia Police counterparts mounted a full investigation. According to University Police Det. Supervisor Bill Danks, the suspects entered at the rear of the popular campus establishment, located in the 3401 Walnut Street complex, at around 2:30 a.m. Once inside, they forced two female employees into a bathroom and confronted a manager, who was counting money in an office. The suspects, who were both carrying automatic handguns, took between $1,500 and $2,000 from a safe in the manager's office, then ordered all three employees into a meat freezer. The two armed men fled the scene soon after. After hearing a banging noise coming from the kitchen area, a waiter and a bartender -- who were sitting inside the main part of the restaurant but did not witness the robbery -- freed the three female employees trapped in the freezer. In total, the three victims spent about 15 minutes in the freezer. None of them were physically injured during the robbery. Juno Yoon, the owner of Mad 4 Mex, along with several restaurant employees, declined to comment yesterday. The victims described the first suspect as a light-complected black man, 6'2" with a thin build. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing dark blue coveralls, a stocking mask and latex gloves, and was carrying an automatic handgun. The second suspect was described as a dark complexioned black male, 5'10" with a stocky build. He was wearing a white chef's jacket, checkered pants, a stocking mask and latex gloves, and was also carrying an automatic handgun. At least half a dozen cars from the University Police and Philadelphia Police departments arrived at the scene. While searching for clues, the responding officers discovered two automatic handguns -- believed to be the ones used in the robbery -- outside a rear entrance to the restaurant. University Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Tom King said the robbery looked as if it were extremely calculated. "It shows more planning than the typical street robbery," King said. "That part of it is disquieting but there are parts of that which lend a cautious optimism that we'll make arrests in this case." King explained that it is extremely unusual for criminals to just leave their weapons at the scene of a crime, but that the blunder will likely give a boost to the police investigation. Detectives assigned to the case are planning to contact the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to run a check on the guns' serial numbers. That information, King said, will help determine where, when and by whom the guns were purchased.
(11/08/99 10:00am)
Several Mad 4 Mex employees were forced into a meat freezer. Students got down and dirty on Friday during a day-long symposium about mudslinging in American presidential politics. Held by Goldberg College House, the program -- entitled "The 'Nastiness Coefficient' in American Presidential Elections" -- offered students and faculty the opportunity to attend four presentations and accompanying discussions on the history of conflict in electoral politics. Each lecture examined a different period in the presidential politics of the past. Deputy Provost Peter Conn spoke on significant elections in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while Annenberg School for Communication lecturer David Eisenhower addressed recent politics from 1968 to the present. Conn, who examined four historically significant presidential elections, drew on the art, literature and political cartoons of the time period to enhance his lecture, noting that the themes of race and the rise of industry were ingrained in each election. "This multimedia review provides the cultural background, the 'American moment,' of each election to tell us why it was critical," Conn said. Goldberg Faculty Master Ivar Berg, a Sociology professor, finished off the day with a discussion of the contemporary two-party political system and how it leads to "nastiness" in elections. During his lecture, he proposed that there is a general centrism in American politics that is undermined by the media's sensationalist focus on conflict between the two parties. Berg teamed up with Goldberg House Dean Jane Rogers in coordinating the event as part of their plan to create a residential program on Public Affairs and Public Culture. Ideally, Berg said, the program will attract majors across a variety of disciplines, especially Communications and other social sciences. "We'll admit those who give some expression of interest in communications and the media," Berg explained, noting that Goldberg House is likely to implement the program with the admission of next year's incoming freshman class. However, as a starting point for a larger program, the event did not attract a large number of students. The morning sessions in particular were sparely attended. College of Arts and Sciences Dean Richard Beeman cancelled his 9 a.m. lecture on early 19th century electoral politics because students simply didn't show up for the discussion. And only a handful of students came for Conn's 10:30 a.m. presentation, with most leaving to go to class just as discussion began. Berg's and Eisenhower's afternoon lectures attracted the greatest numbers of students, with about 25 in attendance for each. Berg attributed the low turnout to the timing of the symposium. He noted that early morning programming often conflicts with students' class schedules and that the overlap of the event with Homecoming weekend could have kept students from attending. "There's no way of predicting who will come," he said, adding that holding the symposium during Family Weekend next year might help bolster attendance. Those who did attend were largely there due to a personal interest in politics and the media. However, many also came out to support Berg. "Dr. Berg is my faculty advisor and I wanted to be here to support what he's doing," College freshman and Goldberg resident Aaron Short said.
(11/05/99 10:00am)
Assoc. VPUL Juana Lewis has put on a strong face in the wake of tragedy. A warm smile and a soft-spoken manner are two qualities Juana Lewis puts to good use in her job at Penn. The associate vice provost for University life, Lewis serves the Penn community in a multitude of ways, limited only by the number of hours in the day. Her duties carry her to places like Career Services, La Casa Latina and the Penn Women's Center, three campus locations to which she serves as the VPUL's liaison. But more than anything, when tragedy strikes the Penn community -- as it has several times already this year -- the Penn community turns to Lewis. With every untimely death of a member of its community the University witnesses there is 44-year-old Lewis, behind the scenes, offering support to the victims' friends and family members, helping with final arrangements and serving as the University's point person in times of need. Lewis, who replaced former Associate VPUL Barbara Cassel, plunged into her job this summer, experiencing a trial-by-fire during the first turbulent months of her tenure. Just days before the start of the school year, a car accident claimed the life of College sophomore Zachary Walker and injured three others. Earlier this month, Benjamin Tencer, a senior citizen who took classes at the University, died from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident on campus. And just 2 1/2 weeks ago, Wharton freshman Michael Yang became the second member of the Penn community to die in a bicycle accident this year. When Yang died, it was Lewis who stepped to the forefront, speaking with his family in Cairo, Egypt, and notifying Yang's Hill House hallmates and house dean of available support services. "She did an absolutely first-rate job," Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said of Lewis's work during the recent Yang tragedy. "I have gotten a number of calls and e-mails from students, faculty and staff that she gave wonderful, compassionate care through very difficult and tragic times." Prior to her arrival at Penn, Lewis spent 13 years at the University of the Sciences, formerly known as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. During her stay at the 6,000-student school, she served first as associate dean and then ultimately as dean of students, making her the highest-ranking African-American and female administrator in the school's history. But this summer, Penn came calling. And when Lewis accepted the position, she says she stepped into a much bigger and more challenging world than before. In an interview late last month, Lewis explained that her time at the University of the Sciences was an "incredible learning experience," but the opportunity to work at Penn -- a school with a more collegiate atmosphere and a pronounced Greek system that harkens back to her own undergraduate experience -- is something she embraced. "To me, those elements are what make college life and I loved it," Lewis said. "And Penn has it all in spades." Lewis described the task of learning the ins and outs of Penn as "very daunting," but one that she devoted her summer to accomplishing. And when Walker died in a car accident in Ohio on September 1, she faced her first true test. "It wasn't a University issue right away," Lewis said. "I had to find out what [the family] needed, what the situation was." Because of the experience she gained from the Walker tragedy, Lewis said she was better prepared to deal with the losses of Tencer, 70, and Yang, 18, who died in unrelated bicycle accidents within 10 days of each other last month. While some of her work at the University of the Sciences did bring her in contact with emergency situations, Lewis said she gives Penn a lot of credit for creating a position like hers, intended to be a "one-stop" shop in times of crisis. "What they've done is carved out a position for student emergencies," Lewis said. "Penn has seen fit to place a person with a lot of experience to work in a bunch of different areas." McCoullum said she has been and continues to be enthusiastic about working in partnership with Lewis. "All in all, Juana adds an important dimension to the University's support of Penn students," McCoullum said. With over 30,000 people, the Penn community is certainly not immune to tragedy, but Lewis emphasized that her top priority is to help solve problems -- all types of problems. "I think it's important for the students and the University to know that I'm here to help," Lewis said. "Not everything has to be catastrophic."
(11/03/99 10:00am)
The Dem. won in a 50-49 percent split Drawing to a close the most competitive mayoral election in recent Philadelphia history, Democrat John Street slipped by Republican Sam Katz last night by a single percentage point. With 96 percent of precincts reporting, Street claimed victory with 50 percent of the vote, while Katz took in 49 percent. Street squeaked by with just 7,200 votes more than Katz as of early this morning. The remaining ballots were cast for Constitution Party candidate John McDermott, who finished with 1 percent. Hundreds of loyal and enthusiastic supporters packed the Warwick Hotel in Center City for Street's official election night party, aptly titled "Victory '99." With updates pouring in all night that consistently showed Street ahead, the crowd never lost its spirit. For hours they waved signs and cutouts of Street's head and cheered at the tops of their lungs. And when the victor finally stepped to the microphone at around 1:30 a.m., they erupted in applause for the next mayor of Philadelphia. Street, 56, used his victory speech to call on both his supporters and detractors to work toward a common goal. "It is now time for us to bring this city together," said Street, who served as City Council president for seven years under Mayor Ed Rendell. "It's time for us to set aside our differences. It is time for us to come together as one great city, to make the progress that we need to make during the course of the next millennium." Just a few block away at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel, Katz -- who called to concede the race and congratulate Street at around 1 a.m. -- said he was proud of the city for listening to his ideas. "I can say with every ounce of sincerity, we did as well as anyone could have expected," said Katz, 49, who mounted the first competitive Republican campaign the city has seen in three decades. Street, who will become Philadelphia's second-ever African-American mayor, was joined on stage by many of the region's Democratic elite, including Rendell, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, city Democratic Party chairperson and U.S. Rep. Robert Brady and several prominent City Council members. Attorney Marty Weinberg and State Rep. Dwight Evans, two of Street's primary election opponents who pledged their support to the former City Council president, were also in attendance. In his victory speech, Street shared some of his visions for Philadelphia's future. "As I embark on this new responsibility, I'm going to ask everyone here? to give us a chance," Street said. "Give us a chance. Give us an opportunity to provide the leadership in this city. Give us an opportunity to help this city reach its potential." Street's controversial past during his 19 years in City Council nearly cost him the election in a city which hasn't elected a Republican mayor in 52 years. Many white Democrats chose to cross party lines, but in the end the GOP was not able to overcome the 4 to 1 Democratic advantage in Philadelphia. "I really haven't been perfect," Street acknowledged during his speech. "But I have never tried, never intentionally, to do anything that was against the interests of our great city." Street was also quick to commend his adversary, thanking Katz for a worthy and productive challenge that stayed remarkably clean and issues-based. "I want to thank him because he ran a brilliant campaign," Street said. "He tested our capacity and our work ethic. He made us work in a way that all of us can know that we have really earned this victory." The victory did not go unnoticed, and was watched around the nation as a bellwether for the 2000 national elections. Street said he received congratulatory phone calls from President Clinton -- who appeared at a Street rally in Philadelphia last Friday -- and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, a Republican. Street saved particular praise for Rendell, the popular outgoing mayor who acted as his most visible -- and perhaps most vital -- mentor and supporter. "Ed Rendell didn't just write a check or two, although he did write a check or two," Street said. "He shared with us the benefit of his experience as a candidate, as a person who was not only a great mayor but a person who understands the political process in this city and in this state in a way that is almost unparalleled by most of us." This year's mayoral campaign was the most expensive in United States history, exceeding the $23 million mark. The candidates battled furiously over the last eight weeks over issues of economic reform, education and neighborhood development. Katz, a former business executive, repeatedly used his campaign mantra of "running the city like a business." He pledged to cut the city wage tax from 4.6 percent to an even 4 percent -- a move Street continually attacked as fiscally irresponsible. Street continued to tout his partnership with Rendell throughout the campaign and focused on the Rendell program of modest tax cuts that would maintain a steady level of city services.
(10/27/99 9:00am)
In the crisp autumn air, friends and neighbors mourned Michael Yang. Wearing bright orange ribbons that friends said reminded them of his vibrant personality, over 50 people gathered on College Green last night to remember Wharton freshman Michael Yang, who was killed in a bicycle accident on campus last week. On an unseasonably warm autumn night with fallen leaves beneath their feet, friends of Yang stood by the Peace Sign next to Van Pelt Library for an informal memorial service organized by Hill College House, where Yang lived during his brief time at Penn. Stepping to the podium one at a time, Yang's classmates, Hill House friends and fellow crew team members took turns honoring the international student from Korea. The 40-minute service was videotaped, as requested by Yang's family in Cairo, Egypt. University Chaplain William Gipson, Hill House Dean Amy Pollock, Hill House Faculty Master James O'Donnell and Associate Vice Provost for University Life Juana Lewis were among the University officials present yesterday. College freshman Jackie Rogozinski, who lived in Hill House with Yang, was the first student to speak. "I know it's a real hard thing to do, to get up in front of a bunch of people and talk, especially about something so personal and so painful," Rogozinski said. "But I feel like Michael's family needed and wants to know a little bit more about his life at Penn." Rogozinski explained that a food drive -- which will continue this week at Hill House -- is being held in Yang's name, largely because of his sensitivity to world hunger issues. Yang's roommate, College freshman Akshay Mehta, recalled deep talks he and Yang shared. "I'll always remember those talks," Mehta said. "They were really personal. They're things I'll never forget." College freshman Pam Mirsky explained that in the sea of pointless conversations which faces every new college student, her first conversation with Yang -- which turned into a two-hour long talk -- stands apart. "I remember calling up my friends from home and being really excited because I finally had a good conversation with someone here," Mirsky said. "And I just want to thank him for being the type of person that wanted to listen and wanted to learn about other people." Hong Shiu, a Wharton freshman who shared a Legal Studies class with Yang, explained that a tape-recorded lecture from the day Yang was killed turned into an unintentional, yet touching, memento of his friend. "Yesterday, I just listened to the tape and heard his voice again," Shiu said. "That was the last chance to listen to his voice." Acknowledging that getting to know someone in just a month and a half is difficult, Wharton freshman Chad Edmonson described Yang as "one of those types of people I would have really liked to [have] gotten to know a lot better." "To the parents, I just would like them to know that everything I saw in Michael just made me think repeatedly what a great guy he was," Edmonson added. College sophomore Naureen Chowdhury recalled a time when an enthusiastic and well-dressed Yang was preparing to go out on a date. "He was all lit up and excited," Chowdhury said. "I don't know who he went to see. He said he'd tell me later, but later didn't come around. I think that's one of the best ways I'd like to remember him." And College freshman James Chen, who also lived in the same suite as Yang, shared perhaps the most humorous and memorable stories of the evening -- a tale involving his first trip to Van Pelt Library with Yang. "I figured they were about to close the library pretty soon, so I went up to check on Mike and he was passed out on a table," Chen recalled. "And when I woke him up, there was a page stuck to his face and he was like 'Oh gosh, has it been 2 1/2 hours already?' It's just little things like that."
(10/22/99 9:00am)
After half a semester under the University's new alcohol policy, the party scene at Penn has so far been more under control than last year, according to University Police Chief Maureen Rush. In an interview this week, Rush praised the initiatives of the provost-led alcohol task force -- such as increasing the number of alcohol-free late night activities, a stricter BYOB policy and cutting off alcohol distribution at 1 a.m. for official parties -- that have helped make the parties more manageable this year for University Police. "The non-alcoholic events have been very effective in giving people a place to go," Rush said, noting that students headed "in droves" to recent events like last month's Sansom Common block party. Although the overall number of parties has not really decreased, students appear to be varying their weekend activities more, resulting in a situation that is more under control, Rush said. One drawback, however, is that parties have begun to work their way off campus -- most likely the result of tighter regulations for registered parties on campus. Nonetheless, Rush said, an increase in off-campus parties has not equated to an increase in disobedience. Most party hosts have been consistently obeying the legal 2 a.m. shut-off time for parties and there has been a lot less "in-your-face carrying of alcohol containers," Rush said. "The more important issue is that the majority of participants have been law-abiding and cooperative," Rush said. Rush acknowledged that there are a couple of off-campus houses "of concern" to University Police, where issues of overcrowding, loud music, belligerence and complaints from neighbors have arisen. University Police are working with the individual residents, as well as landlords and neighbors to tackle the situation. "We're confident we'll be able to curtail any future problems," Rush said. Penn Alcohol Coordinator Stephanie Ives, who was hired this summer to help combat alcohol abuse on campus, said that although she does not have a long history at Penn, the efforts since the start of the school year do appear to be working well. Ives cited consistent college house activities and Gimbel Gymnasium's extended hours on Thursdays as two of the many social alternatives students are offered other than partying. Ives said registered events on campus, with the presence of outside monitors, have run very smoothly so far. As for the issue of late-night revelers relocating off campus, she said such action could be a result of misconceptions related to the University's new alcohol policy. "I agree that there is definitely a perception that the University is cracking down." Ives said. "But anytime you make a change, there's a perception you have to deal with." InterFraternity Council President Mark Metzl, who served on the alcohol task force, said there has been a significant shift of parties to off-campus venues -- something he views as a potential problem. "It is unfortunate that the social scene has been moving off-campus because these events are often higher-risk environments," the College senior and Tau Epsilon Phi brother said. Metzl described misconceptions about the University's recent efforts as "the force driving parties off campus." "If students understood the motivations and goals of the current alcohol policy and the work of the administration, they would realize that there is a great desire and need for on-campus social functions," he said.
(10/22/99 9:00am)
Michael yang's family flew in from Egypt for yesterday's service. Though they may not have shared the same language, everyone who attended yesterday's memorial service for 18-year-old Michael Yang did have something in common -- fond memories of the Wharton freshman who died in a bicycle accident on Tuesday. Nearly 75 friends and family members gathered yesterday afternoon at the Keeho Kim Funeral Home in the Olney section of Philadelphia to honor the memory of Yang, an international student from Korea. Pastor Dae Ho Lee led the one-hour ceremony, which was conducted almost entirely in Korean and combined songs, prayers and a eulogy. Yang's mother, father and younger brother, who traveled from their home in Cairo, Egypt, to attend the service, did not speak. The body rested at the front of the small hall in an open casket, with a wooden cross above and a large picture and flower bouquets to the side. Yang was killed Tuesday while riding his bicycle near the intersection of 33rd and Spruce streets. His bike collided with a large truck and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Towards the end of the ceremony, Lee explained in English that Yang's body would be transported back to Korea, where he would be laid to rest next to his grandfather. Lee said that his family would then return to Egypt. The popular Yang, who barely had a chance to experience his new life at Penn, was honored by a large contingent of students, including friends from his Hill College House residence and fellow crew team members. Hill House provided transportation to the funeral home. Associate Vice Provost for University Life Juana Lewis, University Chaplain William Gipson, Hill House Faculty Master Jim O'Donnell, Hill House Dean Amy Pollock and representatives from International House and the Wharton School were also present. At the close of the service, guests were invited to walk by the casket to pay their final respects. Members of Yang's family stood in a line to shake hands with or to embrace those passing. Yang's mother, who was crying for a large portion of the ceremony, kneeled beside the large photograph of her son and kissed it several times. Afterwards, outside the funeral home, Lewis commended the Yang family for choosing to have a funeral ceremony with the Penn community in mind -- a decision she said was made because the Yangs knew "their son made a life here." "This is what the family's wishes were, which is incredible because it really was for us," Lewis said, describing herself as "overwhelmed" by the gesture. Lewis, who is handling almost all aspects of the tragedy for the University, said that members of the Yang family arrived from Egypt shortly before 11 a.m. yesterday and went to Hill House to view Michael's room and belongings. The Office of the Vice Provost for University Life was scheduled to provide informal counseling at Hill House yesterday, Lewis said. In the end, Lewis said that having the funeral in Philadelphia helped provide closure for those here at Penn trying to cope with the sudden and tragic loss. "I think this was very critical and very gracious of the family," Lewis said.
(10/21/99 9:00am)
The Philadelphia Police Department is not pursuing criminal charges stemming from Tuesday's fatal accident at 33rd and Spruce streets, which claimed the life of an 18-year-old Wharton freshman. Michael Yang, an international student from Korea who lived in Hill College House, was riding his bicycle on 33rd Street when he collided with a truck at about 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead a short time later at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Cpl. Jim Pauley, a PPD spokesperson, said yesterday that the Auto Investigation Division is still attempting to uncover exactly what caused the crash Tuesday afternoon. "We're trying to determine what was the cause of the accident," Pauley said. "At this time it just appears to be an unfortunate accident." Police officials believe that Yang was traveling north on 33rd Street and hit the truck as it made a right turn from 33rd onto Spruce. Pauley explained that interviewing witnesses, recording measurements and gathering physical evidence from the scene are part of the ongoing investigation. He could not provide an estimated timetable for the investigation. University Police are assisting in the investigation, but it is being primarily handled by the PPD. And while police investigators try to determine the cause of Yang's accident, his friends here at Penn and his family in Cairo, Egypt are trying to come to grips with the tragedy. Yang's funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at the Keeho Kim Funeral Home at 5800 N. 5th Street. Leah Smith, spokesperson for the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life, said that officials have spoken with Yang's family several times, but are now giving them time to grieve and to approach the University on their own if they need assistance. Associate Vice Provost Juana Lewis is heading the effort. Smith said that dealing with the situation from halfway across the world has been trying for members of the Yang family, but they are handling it "as best as they can." "To be so far away and to have to take this news by phone is extremely difficult," Smith said. "They are extremely distraught and just trying to come to terms with it." Tuesday's crash was the second fatal bike accident in just 10 days. On October 8, 70-year-old Benjamin Tencer, a senior citizen who was taking classes at Penn as part of a special program, was hit by a taxi at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets. He died three days later. Though the deaths of Yang and Tencer have resulted in a University-wide call for increased bicyclist and pedestrian safety measures, University Police Chief Maureen Rush said that her department has been working proactively to combat the issue for several years. Rush highlighted increased signage at busy intersections and efforts to educate pedestrians with flyers and presentations as two key measures. And, she said, "an awful lot of work" has been put into controlling speeding drivers on campus streets. According to internal statistics, University Police issued 2,280 traffic violations in 1998, compared to just 1,267 in 1996. And the totals are likely to increase, Rush noted, with the upcoming implementation of a speed tracking device, purchased by University Police over the summer. The tracker measures the speed of passing cars without the use of radar, which police are not legally allowed to use for issuing tickets in Philadelphia. But Rush said that even if there are more bike lanes and other initiatives to promote safety, accidents are still bound to happen in the busy University City area. "Having responsible drivers, responsible pedestrians and responsible bike riders working together will prevent some of these things, but sometimes things just happen," Rush said. "I see the major issue is over 150,000 people using one square mile and everyone trying to traverse in conditions that are not always the best," she added.
(10/21/99 9:00am)
University Police this weekend arrested a man in connection with a series of burglaries at the University City Science Center complex on Market Street, according to University Police Chief Maureen Rush. West Philadelphia resident Robert Brunson, 38, was caught while allegedly attempting another break-in at a Science Center building on the 3600 block of Market Street at around midnight on Sunday. He confessed to 10 burglaries, police said. Two plainclothes officers patrolling the area made the arrest after spotting "a male whose behavior was akin to someone who was casing for a burglary," Rush said. Police officials said Brunson was carrying a screwdriver, a hammer and a brick at the time of the arrest and had a fresh cut on his hand, believed to be caused during the most recent burglary attempt. University Police detectives, along with investigators from the Philadelphia Police Department's Southwest Detectives Bureau at 55th and Pine streets, used old video surveillance tapes and an eyewitness account to determine that Brunson was the man they were looking for in connection with the other burglaries. The plainclothes officers were then stationed in hopes that Brunson would strike again. According to police officials, Brunson confessed to 10 crimes at the Science Center, but did not take responsibility for an earlier burglary on Locust Walk, which police said resembled the other incidents. Rush explained that the video tapes, the witness and the forensic evidence from the cut on Brunson's hand alone were enough to tie him to the crimes. "It was a good case even without him confessing, but with the totality with him confessing, it's really a slam dunk case," Rush said. Penn Det. Supervisor Bill Danks said that Brunson's bail was set at $54,000, which he was not able to post. He is currently being held in the county prison system in Northeast Philadelphia.
(10/15/99 9:00am)
A West Phila. resident will be charged with last week's armed robberies on Walnut Street and Baltimore Avenue. Thanks to an alert on-duty officer, University Police last weekend nabbed the man believed to be responsible for two recent knifepoint robberies involving Penn students. Luther Ricks, 35, of West Philadelphia, was apprehended on Saturday after allegedly striking twice more -- this time east of the Schuylkill River -- bringing his list of armed robberies to at least four. Ricks is believed responsible for the October 3 robbery outside of the Inn at Penn and the October 8 robbery on the 4000 block of Baltimore Avenue. While returning from a patrol loop near the 100 block of South 23rd Street, University Police Sgt. Peg O'Malley was approached by a woman claiming to have been robbed at knifepoint. Though the suspect fled immediately by car, both University and Philadelphia police officers received a call just minutes later regarding another robbery, near the corner of 27th and South streets, that matched the description of the previous one. Police responded and a car chase ensued until the suspect crashed his vehicle. He then fled on foot until police apprehended him in an alley. O'Malley arrived on the scene with the evening's first victim and positively identified the robber. Employing what University Police Det. Supervisor Bill Danks described as "good cooperation between officers and detectives," police were able to connect Ricks with the two early crimes near campus. On October 3, a female University student, who also works in the Sansom Common retail complex, was robbed at knifepoint outside the Inn at Penn. Just five days later, another female student was robbed in the front hallway of her residence on the 4000 block of Baltimore Avenue. Neither victim was hurt. Because of similarities between Ricks' appearance and the suspect descriptions previously given by the two Penn students, University Police detectives believed Ricks was the man for whom they were searching. Their hunch was confirmed on Tuesday, when both victims positively identified Ricks as their assailant, Danks said. Ricks is currently being held in the county prison system in Northeast Philadelphia. Thus far, he has only been charged with the two robberies from Saturday night, but he will also be charged with the two campus robberies at his preliminary court hearing next week, Danks said. Danks acknowledged that prior to Ricks' arrest, University Police detectives were not actively pursuing a suspect in the case, making Saturday's apprehension all the more significant. Danks was particularly praising of O'Malley's contribution. "As a result of the quick action taken by Sgt. O'Malley, the suspect was arrested," Danks said. "That's good police work." College junior Amy Strain, the victim of the Baltimore Avenue robbery, said the arrest helps quash some of the concerns she had after being held up in her own residence. "I didn't feel safe in my own house," she said. "He followed me onto my porch and I didn't even hear him. I was worried every time after when I walked on my porch." Nonetheless, Strain said the robbery did not really change her perception of the neighborhood and that thanks to the "absolutely wonderful" police officers she encountered, she fully intends to look past this incident. "It's not going to help me at all to be scared on the street," Strain said.
(10/14/99 9:00am)
Phila. resident Benjamin Tencer, 70 died Monday of massive head injuries. The 70-year-old man hit by a car Friday at 34th and Walnut streets died on Monday as a result of his injuries, hospital officials announced yesterday. Benjamin Tencer, a Philadelphia resident taking classes at Penn as part of a special program for senior citizens, was riding his bicycle west on Walnut Street when he veered to the left and was hit by a taxi traveling in the same direction at around 10 a.m. Friday. Tencer sustained massive head injuries and was rushed to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Doctors pronounced him brain dead three days later, according to HUP spokesperson Rebecca Harmon. HUP officials incorrectly told The Daily Pennsylvanian on both Monday and Tuesday that Tencer remained in critical condition. "Absolutely, it's tragic," University spokesperson Ken Wildes said of the death. "There's no question that our thoughts and prayers are with his family." Tencer was one of several hundred older adults enrolled in the University's Senior Associates program, run by the College of General Studies and the Institute on Aging. The 20-year-old program allows community members over the age of 65 to audit Penn courses with the permission of individual professors. CGS Assistant Dean Monique Bourque, who coordinates the Senior Associates program, said that Tencer had taken four courses at Penn since last year -- with an emphasis on history and science classes -- and was enrolled in his fifth this semester. Bourque said the news of Tencer's death comes as a blow to the 343-member Senior Associates community. "We're all very saddened and we're of course very surprised that it happened," Bourque said. At the time of his death, Tencer was taking Communications 125: Introduction to Communication Behavior, an undergraduate course taught at the Annenberg School for Communication. Tencer was likely headed for the class, which meets Fridays at 10 a.m., when he was hit. Annenberg Professor Vincent Price, who teaches the large introductory course, said he never got a chance to meet Tencer face to face but recognized him from his involvement in class. "Other than knowing he was there and participating actively in the discussions, I didn't get the opportunity to meet him," Price said. "It's such a shame." Members of Tencer's family were not available for comment yesterday and there was no word on funeral arrangements. The driver of the cab stopped immediately after clipping Tencer, according to both police officials and witnesses at the scene. Officials at the Philadelphia Police Department's Automobile Investigation Division said yesterday they are investigating the accident to determine if any criminal charges are appropriate. The officer in charge of the investigation was not available for comment yesterday. The death at the busy, accident-prone Walnut Street intersection may spark new ways to improve pedestrian safety along the thoroughfare. City officials have been planning for several years -- prior to this latest incident -- to create bike lanes on Walnut and Spruce streets and to make the area safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. Wildes said that at the very least Tencer's death may force officials to do more in the area of pedestrian safety. "I hope, in some meaningful way, there can be some good that comes out of this," Wildes said. "Maybe that will be in the form of more delineated places for bikes to ride."
(10/12/99 9:00am)
Using victim accounts and forensic evidence, police are tying more attacks to the murder of a Wharton student. Twenty-eight months after he struck for the first time and 18 months after he killed a Wharton doctoral student, the Center City serial rapist is still on the run -- though police hope the noose is tightening. Since last week, two more 1997 attacks have been definitively connected to the rapist, and an incident over the weekend is under investigation. That raises the total number of incidents to at least six, including the May 1998 strangling death of Shannon Schieber, 23, in her Rittenhouse Square apartment. All of the victims have been in their late teens or 20s, and all occurred within blocks of each other. It wasn't until a year after Schieber's death that police began linking the murder -- initially believed to be the result of a botched burglary or a stalker ex-boyfriend -- to first two, then three, and now five other assaults. And with the rapist known to have struck as recently as August, police are hoping new evidence will continue to lead them in the right direction. "Anytime a person commits more crimes, there's a chance that he will leave evidence that will lead to an apprehension," said Philadelphia Homicide Lt. Ken Coluzzi, who is leading the investigation. Though describing the situation as somewhat of a catch-22, Coluzzi explained that the more crimes they can link, the better the odds are that police will catch the attacker. Philadelphia Police are now turning their attention to a Sunday night break-in on the 1800 block of Chestnut Street shortly before 8 p.m. that bears resemblance to the earlier attacks. The 29-year-old victim was able to successfully fight off the assailant who entered her third-floor apartment. Yesterday, police detectives combed the scene of the latest attack for possible DNA evidence that could link the crime, but right now "it's too early in the investigation to tell," Coluzzi said. Though detectives working on the case said the suspect description in this latest incident is "very close" to previous ones, both the time and location of the attack set it apart. Ann Burgess, a Penn Nursing professor who specializes in the study of crimes and their victims, said that although there are strong similarities in the descriptions, it is important to focus more on the attacker's methods, or "signature," especially since the intense media attention the case has received makes it more likely that victims will believe that their attacker resembles the serial rapist more than he does. As the list of crimes connected to the attacker continues to grow, he will likely experience more satisfaction, Burgess said. "[The rapist's] motivation rests on power and control, so if he's in control of the media and putting one over on the police, it feeds an ego," Burgess said. For Schieber's parents -- who sued the city and the police for failing to properly handle a 911 emergency call related to their daughter's death -- the continued revelations have been difficult to handle. Schieber's father, Sylvester, has pleaded with city residents to turn in the attacker, saying that someone in the Rittenhouse Square area must know who he is. Others, too, are encouraging residents to be on the look out. Penn has posted a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the rapist and the Philadelphia Daily News has added $5,000 to that sum. Yesterday, Sylvester Schieber expressed frustration at the police department's failure to keep his family up-to-date on the investigation, saying that detectives were "ordered not to talk to us" because of the pending litigation. He also said he questions whether there were other crimes that occurred in the several month gaps before and after his daughter's killing. "Is there any reason to believe that there weren't more crimes committed?" he asked. The suit says that police officers who responded to a late-night 911 call from a neighbor of Schieber's should have knocked down the door once they arrived. Instead, they knocked and left after hearing no answer. The Schiebers believe their daughter was still alive with her killer inside the apartment. Schieber's body was found 12 hours later by her younger brother when she failed to make a lunch appointment.
(10/12/99 9:00am)
The 70-year-old student, who has not been publicly named, is still in critical condition. The 70-year-old man who was struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Walnut Street Friday morning remained in critical condition last night, and hospital officials expressed slim hopes for his survival. "We don't expect him to improve," an administrator at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania said last night. "His condition is grim." The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was crossing at the intersection of 34th and Walnut streets when he was hit by a taxi traveling west on Walnut Street at about 10 a.m. on Friday. The victim is one of several hundred older adults who attend Penn classes as part of the University's Senior Associates program, run by the College of General Studies and the Institute on Aging. According to University Police officials, the man sustained "severe head trauma" and witnesses at the scene described heavy blood loss coming from the victim's head. Hospital administrators have refused to comment specifically on the nature of the man's injuries. The cab driver who hit the man stopped immediately, according to both witnesses and police officials. Friday's accident, which is not the first at the busy intersection, has raised questions of pedestrian safety at Penn and the lack of bicycle lanes. The corner of 34th and Walnut has been the site of Penn Police efforts to combat speeding in University City. Yesterday, people passing by the intersection generally expressed concern about speeding cars and a lack of bike lanes for members of the University community. "It's like a highway," third-year Graduate School of Fine Arts student Vanessa Keith said. "A lot of people bike to school and there's no bike lane." College junior Kristina Rencic, who was passing by the intersection on a bike of her own, explained that Penn has a responsibility to its pedestrians to address safety issues on campus streets. "I definitely agree with the criticism that Penn doesn't have enough bike lanes," she said. "I think the University should accept the criticism and do something on the heels of this incident." Accounting Professor Cathy Schrand said she feels much of the blame rests with the irresponsible passing motorists. "My problem is they're not conscious that pedestrians have the right of way," Schrand said, noting that many "cabs and buses don't even watch" for people crossing the street. Second-year Biomedical graduate student Michael Sleet noted that Walnut Street's three wide lanes make it a haven for speeding drivers. "You can get a drag strip type of thing," Sleet said. "That's definitely a problem." And first-year Wharton graduate student Dave Smith explained that although Walnut Street is "more like a highway than a street," he usually feels comfortable traversing the thoroughfare on his bike. "I usually switch up to the sidewalk," Smith said. "Philadelphia is pretty ugly in the streets." But History Professor Ann Moyer said that adding bike lanes to campus, which must come in partnership with both Penn and the City of Philadelphia, is essential. "If attention and energy are devoted to this, it can work," Moyer said. "There are other dangerous places on campus but this is especially bad. There are no two ways about it."
(10/11/99 9:00am)
The female student was robbed Friday night in the front hallway of her house on the 4000 block of Baltimore Ave. A female University student was robbed at knifepoint in the front hallway of her Baltimore Avenue residence Friday night, according to University Police. The student reported that an unidentified man wielding a six-inch knife followed her through the front door of her apartment on the 4000 block of Baltimore at about 9:40 p.m. Friday night. The suspect allegedly drew the knife and demanded that the student quietly hand over her purse, which contained $60 in cash, a cellular phone, several credit cards, a PennCard and other personal items. He then fled quickly on foot in an unknown direction. The student was not physically injured in the robbery. According to the University Police incident report, the suspect was described as a clean-shaven black male, between the ages of 35 and 40, 5'8" to 5'10", 160 pounds, with a medium build and short black hair. At the time of the hold-up, he was wearing a dark shirt and blue jeans. The student was walking from the 4100 block of Baltimore, where she had parked her car moments before. Police said the suspect likely followed the victim to her door. The student was carrying some type of package when she entered the residence and as she was putting it down to shut the door, the suspect entered the house. Police transported the victim to the Philadelphia Police Department's Southwest Detectives Bureau at 55th and Pine streets for questioning. Friday's incident is the second knifepoint robbery on or near campus in the past week. Last Sunday, a female employee of Sansom Common was held-up outside the Inn at Penn. Though the incident was not caught on tape, University Police believe the suspect may have passed by one of its new closed-circuit television cameras on the northwest corner of 36th and Walnut streets. University Police are also investigating two armed robberies in September, both of which were in close proximity to campus. In the first incident, on September 12, a female University student was robbed at gunpoint just steps from Locust Walk, between Van Pelt Library and the Castle. And just days before that, five University students were held up with what was believed to be a semi-automatic weapon. None of the victims were hurt in the robberies.
(10/11/99 9:00am)
The 70-year-old victim, who takes Penn classes through CGS, was still in critical condition at HUP as of last night. A 70-year-old man who attends classes at Penn remained in critical condition last night after being struck by an automobile at 34th and Walnut streets Friday morning. According to University Police, the man was passing through the busy intersection on his bicycle at around 10 a.m. when he was hit by a taxi traveling west on Walnut Street. Police officials said the man suffered "severe head trauma" and was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after the accident. Last night, a hospital spokesperson said the victim remained in critical condition but would not comment specifically on the nature of his injuries. College junior Kimberly Ling, who was walking past the Moravian CafZs food court in the 3401 Walnut Street complex at the time, saw the scene immediately after the accident and said she could tell right away that it was severe. "There was just a stream of blood coming from his head and a big pool of blood about a foot away," Ling said. "You couldn't see a massive head wound because it was coming from under [his] head." Ling said that a crowd of about 25 people gathered in the area after the accident, including several passers-by who stopped to help direct passing traffic around the victim and his twisted bicycle. Another person, Ling said, was helping a University Police officer stabilize the man. "A bike cop was instructing a person on how to hold his windpipe open because he was choking on his own blood," Ling said. Ling, who was on the way to class when she saw the accident, said the victim was struck near the southwest corner of Walnut Street, near Locust Walk. She added that although she could not see for herself, a person next to her kept saying "he should've had a helmet on." The cab driver stopped immediately, according to both Ling and police officials. Police are not believed to be investigating the collision as a criminal incident. The victim is one of several hundred older adults who attends classes as part of the University's Senior Associates program, run by the College of General Studies and the Institute on Aging. University spokesperson Ken Wildes said that Friday's accident could serve as an impetus for pedestrian safety improvement on and around campus. "I think an accident like that certainly, in many ways, is a wake-up call and it will intensify our work with the city to address the problem of safety on the streets for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists," Wildes said. The difficulty, Wildes said, lies in the fact that Penn must consult the city before making any changes to the streets.
(10/08/99 9:00am)
Two portable packs will help U. Police respond to cardiac emergencies. It's a small orange box, no bigger than a physics book, but it could end up saving your life. The Division of Public Safety yesterday unveiled one of its two new automated external defibrillators that are now carried by University Police on patrol. The devices, known as AEDs, work in combination with manual CPR to revive accident victims whose hearts have stopped, most commonly people who suffer heart attacks. Because police are often the first to arrive at an accident scene, their ability to begin resuscitation even just a few minutes before paramedics can substantially increase the chances for victim survival. "We see this as just one more measure to ensure the safety and security of our community," University Police Chief Maureen Rush said. Sgt. John Washington, who is in charge of training the University Police force on how to use the AEDs, demonstrated the device at a small press conference yesterday. A computerized voice guides users through each step of the procedure, which involves placing two adhesive electrodes on the victim's chest. Once the sensors evaluate the victim's condition, a light indicates that it is safe for the user to administer the charge. After researching several different types of devices since June, Public Safety settled on this particular one -- manufactured by the Minneapolis-based SurVivaLink Corp. -- because of its user-friendly operation. "We tried to make this device as simple as possible, dumb it down, if you will," Washington said. Weighing just seven pounds, officials say the device is ideal for situations where ambulances may not be a viable option. Washington cited the Penn Relays and Quakers football games as two situations where the AEDs would facilitate a rescue operation. "They're easy to carry through crowds because they're not bulky," Washington said, noting that the lightweight devices can be used by officers in cars, on bicycles and even on foot. The two units were purchased for about $7,500 over the summer and have been deployed on police patrols since move-in weekend in September. Public Safety also bought a similar training device, which remains at headquarters. Rush explained that move-in weekend served as a perfect time for the defibrillators' "inauguration" because of the stress and strain that people -- mostly parents -- experience every year around that time. "The baby boomers were getting a little tired so we wanted to make sure they were taken care of," Rush said. So far, University Police have not had to actually use the defibrillators, but Washington said he can recall "a number" of situations during his 11 years at Penn when the devices would have been instrumental. Though Rush did not rule out the possibility of adding more AEDs to the University Police arsenal, she said that having one on each end of campus ensures that help is never more than a couple minutes away. "Our response time is so quick that we think two units will suffice," Rush said. Washington said 70 percent of the University Police force is certified to use the AEDs and the remainder will be trained before the end of this month. Trainees receive a two-hour course that includes hands-on practice with a dummy. Although Philadelphia Police do not use defibrillators, similar devices have found homes with the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Pennsylvania State Police. Washington noted that as defibrillators become more compact and lightweight, their use will continue to spread. "Now that the technology has caught up, I think you are going to see much more of these in police departments," Washington said.
(10/08/99 9:00am)
University Police detectives are investigating a series of burglaries at Weightman Hall, home of Penn's Athletic Department. In the past week, University Police reported three separate burglaries inside the main Athletic Department offices at 235 S. 33rd Street. The crimes began on October 1 and have resulted in the disappearance of several thousand dollars worth of electronic equipment. Although the investigation is at full speed, University Police do not yet have a main suspect, according to Penn Det. Ray Rodman. "We're stepping up what we can do and hopefully we can make an apprehension soon," Rodman said. None of the three incidents yielded signs of forced entry, although some property was damaged during the burglaries. "It appears to be the same individual or group of individuals," Rodman noted. Because the crimes were likely committed by the same person or persons, University Police have "absolutely" stepped up patrol in the area. "Hopefully we can catch him in the act," Rodman said. And because the investigation is ongoing, Rodman declined to discuss specifics. In the first incident on October 1, pieces of electronic equipment of unknown value were stolen from the second floor football office in Weightman Hall between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A glass wall divider was smashed during the burglary, according to the police report. Three days later, on October 4, a female University employee reported that a television and a clock were taken from the second-floor Dunning Coaches Office between 2:30 p.m. on October 1 and 9:30 a.m. on October 4. And on October 6, a male University employee reported that two Gateway laptop computers, valued at $6,400, and a Panasonic radio were stolen. Two desks were damaged during the break-in. Athletic Department spokesperson Shaun May, who has in office in Weightman Hall, offered a metaphor from the world of sports as a possible explanation for the multiple break-ins. "It's like basketball -- if somebody is hot, they'll take three or four shots in a row," May said.
(10/07/99 9:00am)
Penn Police and the Israeli Secret Service are two agencies working to make sure things go smoothly. University Police are teaming up with a handful of local, national and international security agencies to ensure that former Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has a quiet and incident-free visit to Penn tonight. Netanyahu, who is Connaissance's annual fall speaker, is scheduled to appear tonight in Irvine Auditorium at 8 p.m. University Police will join members of the Philadelphia Police Department's Dignitary Protection Unit, the U.S. State Department, the federal Diplomatic Security Service and the Israeli Secret Service at the event. According to University Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Tom King, security at the event will be "omnipresent," as is the case whenever a foreign dignitary comes to campus. "The thing that makes this somewhat remarkable, not unique, is the number of agencies involved," King said, adding that the preparation for Netanyahu's visit was "certainly higher than for the average speaker." University Police Chief Maureen Rush confirmed that her force would "absolutely" devote additional patrol to tonight's event but refused to give an exact figure for security reasons. She added that both plainclothes and uniformed officers would be present, as well as members of Penn's Detective Unit. Yesterday, University Police and the other agencies participated in a walk-through of Irvine -- something King described as a "walking brainstorming session with a lot of what-ifs." Although King said he could not comment on specific issues, he noted that Irvine, which was originally constructed in 1927, is not the most ideal place for a former head of state to speak. "From a security standpoint, it's a challenging building," King said. "It was designed for aesthetics, not with security concerns in mind. It poses some unique challenges. It's a labyrinth, a real maze." Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to accommodate mandatory metal detector screenings and bag checks. Though bags are not prohibited, King warned that too many people with bags would significantly slow down the entry process. Connaissance Co-Chairperson Theo LeCompte, an Engineering junior, said winners of last week's ticket lottery were notified of the security measures by e-mail last night. Thus far, King said, coordination between the various security agencies has run very smoothly. "It's good working with other groups," King said. "They have different eyes for different issues. And it results in a pretty comprehensive plan for prevention and a good contingency plan in the event that things don't go according to plan." University Police are no strangers to high-profile guests, as Penn has played host to several influential political speakers in the past few years. In October 1996, during the final weeks of his re-election campaign, President Clinton spoke at Hill Field in front of more than 15,000 people. A year later, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed a capacity crowd in the Zellerbach Theatre. And in 1997, Chinese President Jiang Zemin spoke at an invitation-only function in the University Museum. But, because of Netanyahu's connection to the often-controversial Israel, his visit is different. Rush pointed to a religiously motivated shooting this summer in a Los Angeles Jewish day care center as reason to take extra precaution. "We've heightened our efforts on events that have [an] ethnic or racial connection" since that shooting, Rush said.
(10/06/99 9:00am)
DNA tests have linked a fifth attack in Center City Philadelphia to the serial rapist believed to be responsible for the 1998 strangling death of Wharton doctoral student Shannon Schieber, it was reported last night. This case, which occurred on July 11, 1997, is the rapist's earliest known attack, said Philadelphia Police Lt. Ken Coluzzi, who is heading the investigation. "It is similar in nature to the other crimes -- it was a young female living alone, and there was forced entry to a window, and she lives in the same area as the other rapes," Coluzzi said at a press conference yesterday, the Associated Press reported. The rapist has also been linked to two rapes in August 1997, Schieber's May 1998 murder and another rape this past August. All of the victims were female college students living within several blocks of Rittenhouse Square. This newest disclosure came on the same day that University and Philadelphia Police held a session on campus to discuss the case and the rumors swirling around it. The hour-long midday forum, which drew fewer than a dozen people, was held in Stemmler Hall's Dunlop Auditorium, located in the Medical School complex. Lt. Michael Doyle of the PPD's Special Victims Unit joined University Police Chief Maureen Rush and Det. Supervisor Bill Danks for the safety presentation, which included an informal question-and-answer session. "There have been concerns and we've heard rumors and what we wanted to do today is give you facts," Rush said at the program's opening. Doyle was the event's main speaker. While copies of the latest composite suspect sketch were being distributed, Doyle profiled the man who has been linked through DNA evidence with at least four rapes and Schieber's murder. Doyle also sought to dispel what he called "wild rumors" about the case. For example, Doyle explained that police have no reason to believe the suspect is a prolific rock climber -- a tale that surfaced because Schieber's killer scaled a tree to enter her second-floor apartment. And there is no evidence that the suspect has any connection to Penn, Doyle said. Because Doyle explained that the suspect unscrewed a metal window grate to gain entry during his latest attack in August -- a process that police believed took place over several days -- topics covered during the question-and-answer session focused primarily on prevention. Doyle, along with Rush and Danks, explained that having proper outdoor lighting, secured windows and doors and street smarts are a few realistic defense measures. At one point, an audience member asked the police panel if they thought Schieber's murder was "accidental," meaning that the attacker does not rape with the intent to kill. When Doyle explained that it is hard to speculate about the thoughts of a killer, the female audience member retorted, "But that's what you do for a living, right?" Doyle offered the best explanation he could. "In this latest incident, he could have slain the victim and he didn't," Doyle said. "But if you're asking me if he's a crazed killer, he's capable of it." After the event, first-year Biology post-doctoral student Omar Harb said he wanted to attend the event because he and his wife live in Center City. "I think many people are concerned," Harb said. "It's just good to hear those things from people who are supposed to protect you." The event was organized in part by Medical Center Director of Safety and Security Jim Atkinson but was open to the entire University community. It will be broadcast on UTV-13 in the next few days.
(10/05/99 9:00am)
U. Police hope that surveillance video will help them catch the perpetrator in Sunday's incident. A woman who works in the Sansom Common hotel and retail complex was robbed at knifepoint outside the Inn at Penn Sunday night, according to University Police Chief Maureen Rush. The victim was walking on the 3600 block of Sansom Street at around 10:15 p.m. when she was confronted by the assailant, who pulled out a knife and demanded that she hand over her pocketbook. The value of the items taken was unknown. The employee was not hurt during the incident. After taking the victim's pocketbook, the suspect fled west on Sansom Street. He was described by the victim as a black male, 5'9", weighing approximately 190 pounds with a scraggly beard, according to police. He was wearing blue jeans and a blue T-shirt at the time of the robbery. Rush said she was optimistic that the robber would be caught because of the "good description" provided by the victim, coupled with the fact that the robbery occurred in close proximity to one of the Division of Public Safety's new closed-circuit television cameras. Though the newly installed cameras can view one block in every direction, the incident itself was out of range. Rush said, however, that the suspect may have passed by the camera positioned at the northwest corner of 36th and Walnut streets. After the incident, the victim was taken to the Philadelphia Police Department's Southwest Detectives Bureau at 55th and Pine streets for questioning. According to Rush, the victim felt confident she could identify the suspect if she saw him again. Rush refused to comment on exactly how the camera evidence would be used but she said the footage will serve as an invaluable tool in the investigation. "We're optimistic," Rush said. "Having a camera in that vicinity? we have very good odds. We certainly have better odds than if we had no camera in the area." The camera system was installed in July. This marks the first investigative use of the surveillance system. "This will be a perfect example of how these tools will be used," Rush said, explaining that University Police and Security Services -- the department within Public Safety responsible for security technology, including the camera system -- will work on the case in partnership. Inn at Penn General Manager Dave Newhart said he is not overly concerned about the robbery taking place just outside of the newly opened upscale hotel. He said crime is no more of a concern here in West Philadelphia than in Center City. But he acknowledged that the robbery has resulted in a "heightened awareness" for both guests and employees of the hotel. The increased nighttime foot traffic created by Sansom Common is somewhat of a double-edged sword, Rush said. While more people on the streets deters criminals, she added, the influx of people can also provide more opportunities for daring lawbreakers. But Rush said she believes that overall, the presence of the major retail complex has only helped to reduce crime. Sunday's incident is the second armed robbery near the heart of campus since the start of the school year. On September 12, a female University student was robbed at gunpoint by two men just steps from Locust Walk, between Van Pelt Library and the Castle. And days before that, five seniors were robbed near 40th and Chestnut streets by three men, one of whom was armed with what was believed to be a semi-automatic weapon. Like the September robbery near Locust Walk, Rush said Sunday's incident is something of "big concern" to University Police because of its close proximity to the heart of campus. But she said the community should remember that such crimes are unusual. "It's pretty brazen to do what he did," Rush said.
