UPennAlert

Robbery without Weapon

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.

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UPDATE: All clear in the area of 3600 Walnut Street. You may resume usual activity. Police and security are patrolling the area.

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UPennAlert: Robbery without weapon in the 3600 block of Walnut Street. Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area.

The suspect is 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.

The suspect was last seen heading north on 36th towards Walnut Street.

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The Division of Public Safety has developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below. Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime.

Stay out of immediate area.
Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
Utilize 24/7/365 Walking Escort services (215-898-WALK/9255).
Only carry necessary documents.
Keep your valuables out of sight.
Be respectful of those involved in the incident.
If you believe you see the described suspect, do not engage – call 215-573-3333.

Read More

The Division of Public Safety will continue to ensure the highest level of safety and security for our community.

See something concerning? Connect with Penn Public Safety 24/7 at 215-573-3333.
Worried about a friend or colleague’s mental or physical health? Get 24/7 connection to appropriate resources at 215-898-HELP (4357).
Seeking support after experiencing a crime? Call Special Services – Support and Advocacy resources at 215-898-4481 or email an advocate at
Use the Walking Escort and Riding services available to you free of charge.
Take a moment to update your cellphone information for the UPennAlert Emergency Notification System
Download the Penn Guardian App which can help Police better find your location when you call in an emergency.
Access free self-empowerment and defense courses through Penn DPS.

Emergencies 215-573-3333 / 511 (campus phone)

General Information 215-898-7297

Special Services 215-898-4481 (215-898-6600 off-hours)

HELP Line 215-898-HELP (4357)

DPS Headquarters 4040 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Update UPennAlert Info PennGuardian Registration

Walking Escort 215-898-WALK (9255)

Penn Transit Ride 215-898-RIDE (7433)

UPPD K9 Unit

Uman and Toby, both Labrador retrievers, are certified ordnance detection and evidence detection canines. As sworn members of the UPPD, Uman and Toby work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the University City community. The K9 units respond to calls about unattended packages and perform building sweeps before large-scale events and visits by dignitaries. They can also be found undertaking regular patrol of Penn’s campus and the surrounding area.

Follow K9 Uman on Instagram

Follow K9 Toby on Instagram

Follow K9 Uman on X (formerly Twitter)

Follow K9 Toby on X (formerly Twitter)

Police Officer Wesley, wearing a black police uniform, poses with canine Uman, a black labrador retriever, in a field under a tree.

Officer Uman

In November 2020, K9 Officer Uman joined the UPPD, paired with partner Officer Julie Wesley. Uman is Zzisa’s granddaughter, a pup bred by the WDC to dam Pinto and sire Boomer.

Uman lives and works with her handler, Officer Wesley.

Officer Toby

In May 2024, K9 Officer Toby joined the UPPD, paired with partner Officer Matthew Keller. Toby is named in honor of K9 Toby who served in the PennVet Working Dog Center 9/11 research study.

Toby lives and works with her handler, Officer Keller.

PennVet Working Dog Center (WDC)

Inspired by the Search & Rescue Dogs that responded following the attacks on 9/11, the Penn Vet Working Dog Center opened on September 11, 2012 and serves as a national research and development center for detection dogs.

PennVet WDC Website

Sgt. Mackey, wearing a black police uniform, poses with canine Zzisa, a yellow labrador retriever, in a field under a tree.

Zzisa, K9-2, Retired

(9-11-10 to 7-23-24)

Zzisa, born on September 11, 2010, was named in honor of 9/11 victim Salvatore J. Zisa.

Zzisa joined the UPPD in 2014, paired with partner Sergeant Sean Mackey. Zzisa joined the UPPD from the PennVet Working Dog Center (WDC). She continued being a very good girl in her well-earned retirement, living with Sgt. Mackey and his family.

Zzisa passed on July 23, 2024, surrounded in love by Sgt. Mackey and the entire DPS family. The team at Penn Public Safety are fortunate to have worked with Zzisa.

Zzisa’s Memorium Post

Socks, a yellow labrador retriever, wearing a K9 vest, poses next to her handler, officer Jullie Wesley, who is kneeling with her hand on Sock's back

Socks, K9-1, the first UPPD K9 Officer

(7-7-12 to 7-20-20)

In September of 2013, Officer Socks graduated from the first class at Penn Vet Working Dog Center, and joined the UPPD as our first canine officer. Socks was paired with her partner Officer Julie Wesley, and was certified in ordnance and evidence detection. She was named in honor of Socks Lavoie (handler Sue Lavoie), who was deployed to the Staten Island Landfill following the attacks of 9/11.

Socks passed on July 20, 2020 at the age of 8, surrounded by the love of Officer Wesley and her other family members. We are grateful to K9 Officer Socks and her years of service to the Penn Community.