Two young suspects were arrested Wednesday following an armed robbery to the west of campus.
Penn Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Mike Morrin said that a 25-year-old male University of the Sciences student was walking on the 4500 block of Chester Avenue at about 8:45 p.m. when two juveniles -- a male and a female -- approached him, showed guns and demanded money. This is the second time in a week that a group of young teenagers has been arrested for attempting to rob a Penn student.
The robbers took a wallet and a backpack containing a cell phone and MP3 player. After they fled, the victim flagged down a nearby University City District safety ambassador, explained what had happened and gave descriptions of the suspects.
The safety ambassador was able to disseminate "flash" information on the suspects to all Penn and Philadelphia police officers in the area.
Penn officers responded to the scene. Although the crime occurred outside of their patrol zone, Penn Police often respond to nearby crimes, Patrol Capt. Joseph Fischer said.
Two plainclothes Penn officers near the intersection of South 46th and Regent streets saw a two people fitting the descriptions. The officers identified themselves and stopped the men, but the suspects fled on foot. After a pursuit, Penn officers stopped the male suspect at 46th and Regent streets, while Penn and Philadelphia police caught the female suspect at 46th and Reinhard streets.
Both suspects are 14 years old and reside in Southwest Philadelphia. Police are withholding their identities because they are juveniles.
When police arrested the suspects, each was allegedly carrying a BB gun that looked similar to a 9-millimeter handgun.
The robbery victim positively identified each suspect.
Officers found the stolen backpack nearby on the 4500 block of Kingsessing Avenue and recovered all of the possessions intact.
Police transported the teenagers to the Philadelphia Police Department's 18th District headquarters at 55th and Pine streets.
The teens are charged with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and possessing an instrument of crime.
The male suspect was also charged in connection with a robbery that occurred around 1:40 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of 45th and Regent streets.
In that incident, two women, 24 and 25 years of age, were walking on Regent Street when the teen allegedly approached them and grabbed a cell phone and a bag containing clothing from them. The 24-year-old victim is a Penn staff member.
No one was injured in either incident.
Morrin said that police are still investigating the possibility that the suspects could be connected to other recent crimes in the area.
Fischer lauded the efforts of police in capturing the suspects.
"Our officers have been relentless," he said. "They are sending a message that we're not going to allow violence to occur in and around our patrol area."
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.