UPennAlert Archive

Normal University operations are suspended for Monday, January 6, 2025, due to inclement weather. When University normal operations are suspended, employees are generally not expected to work unless they are designated essential. Essential University staff for critical campus operations and life sustaining operations and all Health System physicians and staff are required to report to work at their regularly scheduled start time. Participants in academic clinical programs may also be expected to report, please confirm with your program administrator. Please exercise caution and take your time in traveling to campus. If possible, utilize public transit if available. Please consult with your supervisor should you have any questions.

UPennAlert: Robbery in the 4100 block of Spruce Street. Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area. The suspects are described as 3 juvenile males, all wearing blue surgical masks: Suspect #1 - Riding a scooter, wearing a black jacket and gray pants Suspect #2 - Wearing black hooded sweatshirt with a green emblem, black pants, wearing a green tee shirt and backpack Suspect #3 - Wearing all dark clothing The suspects were last seen heading eastbound on Spruce Street towards 40th Street

Penn Police responded to a report of an attempted robbery in the 4100 block of Chestnut Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspects had assaulted the complainant and attempted to take the complainant’s backpack. The suspects are described as 3 juvenile males, thin build, 5'10", wearing all dark clothing. The suspects were last seen heading westbound on Chestnut Street from 41st Street. Police and Security are patrolling the area.

Penn Police responded to a report of assaults in the 4000 block of Walnut Street. The suspect struck two individuals and fled the area. The suspect is described as a juvenile male wearing all dark clothing. The suspect was with a large group of juveniles traveling in the area of 40th and Walnut Streets. The area is now clear. Penn and Philadelphia Police and Allied Security continue to patrol the area.

UPennAlert: At approximately 3:30PM, a scheduled demonstration began in the area of 34th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia. The demonstration is currently restricting traffic in the intersection at 34th and Walnut Street.

UPennAlert: At approximately 2:00PM, a scheduled demonstration began in the area of 30th and Market Streets in Philadelphia. The demonstration is now proceeding west through University City in the direction of Penn’s campus. At this time, police are not aware of any instances of property damage along the march route.

On Sunday, October 6, Penn Police responded to a report of robbery in the 3600 block of Walnut Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspect had demanded the complainant’s headphones, then fled northbound from the scene. The suspect was described as a Black male in his 20s, 5'6"-5'9", thin build, wearing a white tee shirt, black pants, and riding a bicycle. Police and security are patrolling the area.

On Saturday, October 5, Penn Police responded to a report of a retail robbery at the Old Nelson Food Market in the 100 block of S. 30th Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspects assaulted an employee before running from the store on foot. The two suspects were described as between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age, the first was described as a Black male, dark complected, 5’5”-5’6” tall, wearing all black clothing, an Under Armour branded shirt, a black hooded sweatshirt, and durag, possibly carrying a firearm. The second was described as a Black male with long braids, wearing green sweatpants, and a gray and white hooded sweatshirt, black sneakers, and carrying a multicolored backpack. They fled southbound on 30th Street towards Walnut Street. Police and Security are patrolling the area.

Penn Police responded to a call to assist officers in the 3900 block of Walnut Street. While initial reports stated gun shots had been fired, upon investigation it was determined no shots had been fired.

Penn Police responded to a report of an attempted robbery with weapon in the 3600 block of Chestnut Street. Upon arrival, police spoke with the complainant who stated that one of the suspects displayed a handgun while demanding a bike from the complainant. The suspects are described as a group of seven Black males, all wearing dark clothing, one suspect carrying a black handgun. They were last seen heading west on Sansom Street towards 37th Street. Police and Security are patrolling the area.

Penn Police responded to a report of gun shots fired in the 3000 block of Market Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that four suspects had fired shots at the complainant, who was injured in the shooting. The suspects, described as three Black males and one Black female, all wearing all black clothing, then fled on foot, heading westbound on Market Street from 30th Street. Police have the individuals in custody and have recovered a weapon.

UPDATE: Penn Police stopped the suspect at approximately 10 pm on Sunday, August 25th, and was positively identified by the complainant. Suspect now in custody. -------------------------------------------- On Sunday, August 25th, Penn Police responded to a report of a retail theft at the Acme grocery market in the 4000 block of Walnut Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspect assaulted the security guard employed by Acme before running from the store on foot. The suspect was described as standing between 6'2" -6'5" tall, wearing a green dress, bald carrying a blond wig, with a dark complexion. The suspect was last seen heading south on 40th Street towards Locust Street. Police and Security are patrolling the area.

UPDATE: Suspect is in custody.  ---------------- UPDATE: All clear in the area of 3700 block Chestnut Street. You may resume usual activity. Police and Security continue to patrol the area. ------------------ UPennAlert: Attempted Indecent Assault in the 3700 block of Chestnut Street. Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area. The suspect is described as a Black male, dark complected, 5" 10" tall, 190 lbs, approximately 30 years old, balding, wearing a white tee shirt and dark jeans. Last seen heading southbound on 38th Street towards Walnut Street.

Penn Police responded to a report of an assault with weapon at the 4000 block of Market Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspect approached the complainant and struck him with a screwdriver. The suspect is described as a s a Black female, 5' 6", medium build, braided hair, many tattoos, wearing a green skirt. The suspect was last seen in the area of 40th and Market Streets. Minor minor physical injuries reported. Police and Security are patrolling the area.