Citizen's Bank was robbed last Thursday afternoon for the first time since it opened near campus in June 2002.
The robbery occurred at approximately 2:34 p.m. when a man entered the bank -- located at 134 S. 34th St. -- and handed the teller a note demanding money.
"I want $500. There is a bomb on my back. Don't play," the note read, according to Maureen Rush, vice president of public safety.
Rush added that the suspect fled north on foot on 34th Street toward Chestnut Street.
According to Penn police officials, the suspect left the bank with about $300. Representatives at the bank could not be reached for comment.
The FBI is currently working on the case in conjunction with the Penn and Philadelphia police forces, as is customary with a bank robbery. As of last night, no arrest had been made.
The entire incident was caught on a surveillance videotape. In a statement issued to the press, the FBI released a number of clear pictures of the suspect from the bank's surveillance cameras in hopes of making an apprehension.
The suspect was last seen wearing a yellow and purple Los Angeles Lakers jersey and carrying a gray backpack.
FBI Special Agent Jerri Williams said that the surveillance photos were of "excellent quality," adding that this may aid in the capture and conviction of the suspect.
Rush noted that the police are currently "doing more special checks of the banks" in the area.
The suspect faces "significant jail time" if apprehended, according to Williams.
Though this is the first robbery that has occurred at Citizen's Bank, it is the 11th robbery that has occurred around the University in the past eight years. Most recently, Commerce Bank was robbed in January.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.