Photo of suspect wanted in 3 armed robberies near Temple University released: sources
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Law enforcement sources shared photos from one of three armed robberies in Philadelphia near Temple University on Tuesday morning. Two college students were robbed in separate incidents within the university's patrol zone.
This @JoeHoldenCBS3 with some #BreakingNews — Law enforcement sources shared the following photos from one of three armed robberies early this morning. Two Temple students were robbed at gun point within the university’s patrol zone. The photos are from 16th and Berks. pic.twitter.com/EieLhnXu2R
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) October 31, 2023
Temple University vice president of public safety Jennifer Griffin reported three separate armed robberies near campus Tuesday.
Griffin said a Temple student had a cell phone stolen during an armed robbery in the 1900 block of North 16th Street. The phone was eventually recovered and returned to the student. Another student had their phone and wallet stolen in the 1800 block of North 16th Street, Griffin said.
Both armed robberies are off campus but within the university's patrol zone, according to Griffin.
The third armed robbery did not involve a Temple student, Griffin said. It happened in the 2000 block of West Jefferson Street, which is outside of the university's patrol zone.
All three armed robberies happened between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Temple students reacted with frustration but were hardly surprised after hearing the news.
"This is crazy," Robert Levins, a Temple student, said. "Crazy world we live in right now. Just not a surprise. Happens all the time."
"My initial reaction is just another every day at Temple University," Michael Dickinson, another student at Temple, said. "We're getting used to it. We're getting complacent with all the crime going on."
Philadelphia Police are leading the investigation.
Meanwhile, students said the violent incidents are a reminder to stay alert.
"Kids come here knowing this stuff goes on," said Alex Odom, who plays safety for Temple's football team. "So it's a risk you take living here. Me, I'm used to it."
Many on Temple's campus said safety is a constant topic.
One freshman showed CBS Philadelphia the alerts students receive on their phones – sometimes daily. She also carries pepper spray on her keychain.
"Anything could really happen to you, especially when you're living on campus," a student said.
A spokesperson for the university said officers are working 12 hour shifts to increase coverage and that Temple has a number of efforts in place to recruit and retain officers, including signing bonuses and wage and benefit increases.
Griffin said counseling services are being offered to the students who were robbed. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call police.