Armed robbery, home invasion near Temple campus, 1 targeting student, police say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An armed robbery and an armed home invasion happened both near Temple University's campus Tuesday night. One of them was targeting a Temple student.
The campus is quiet Wednesday morning but students are likely to be a little on edge as they head to class, especially knowing that no suspects were caught in connection with either of these crimes.
According to police, the home invasion happened on the 1500 block of Sydenham Street, just southwest of campus.
Police say the suspect was hiding behind a fence before they approached a male Temple student.
They say the suspect held a gun to the victim before entering his apartment and stealing several items inside.
Police aren't sure at this time whether the gun was real, fake, or possibly a BB gun.
"It is a little shocking. It is a little worrying," a student said.
About a half hour later Tuesday night, police responded to an armed robbery on the other side of campus.
Officers say someone was robbed on the street near 17th and Diamond Streets. They said the victim was not a Temple student.
In a press release, Temple said:
Temple released the following statement:
Both Temple Police and Philadelphia Police responded to the area of 17th and Diamond for a report of a robbery point of knife. The complainant noted that he was robbed by three males in ski masks at point of knife and that $100 and an iPhone was taken.
"I'm pretty used to it. I know, it's sad to say that," another student said.
Other Temple students say they're not surprised two violent crimes were committed close to campus overnight.
"I think it is really sad that we live in a college environment that we have to experience these things, hear these things, especially if it is someone that is, like, college student, just like one of us, could be anyone of us at any moment in time," a student said.
In both cases, police say, the suspects got away.
In both cases, the university issued a Temple alert telling all students to use caution and avoid the area.
The alert reads: "Armed robbery - reported at 1519 N Sydenham St. Use caution. Avoid the area. Police are responding."
The alert reads: "Armed robbery - reported at 17th St/Diamond St. Use caution. Avoid the area. Police are responding."
Some say the university is doing everything they can to keep students safe.
"Everybody has room to improve. But. no, I think Temple is doing their best and it will work out for them," a student said.
But others wouldn't mind seeing more security around campus.
"I definitely think they should increase security, especially on campus and especially at night, just so others can feel more safe," a student said.
