Temple students robbed at gunpoint near campus

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are looking for two men after a rash of late-night armed robberies in North Philadelphia.

In three separate cases, the Temple students were confronted at gunpoint on their way home, just blocks from campus.

It happened between 11 p.m. Sunday and midnight Monday. In all three cases, students were walking alone to their apartments.

One student was pistol-whipped, police say, and all three had backpacks containing computers.

"Two of the students were actually robbed, and taken was a backpack, cell phones, some cash. In the third incident the student was actually able to get away, he was able to run away, from the offenders," said Lt. Patrick Doherty.

Police are gathering surveillance video to see if they can identify the two males in dark clothing responsible for the crime spree.

The holdups were outside the jurisdiction of Temple's police force. Students know it is still risky travelling alone in that area at night.

"Around 11 or 12 on a Sunday, yeah it's pretty bad. Just watch your space," said Meghan Cody.

"Stay in packs usually. Make sure we always have our head on a swivel, keep an eye out on your surroundings," said Danny Matthews.

As the student body steadily increases, privately owned housing for students keeps expanding west of Broad St.

Building owners who rent to students say the neighborhood has not fully made the transition yet.

"The neighborhood is changing. Seemed like it was getting a lot better, but you still have your isolated incidents, I guess," said Leo McDaniel.

"We've had a lot of success up there, making arrests in these type of robberies. We're just looking for the public's help," said Lt. Doherty. He asks that anyone with information give police a call.

Police say the suspects were wearing hoodies, but their faces were not concealed.

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