According to DPS, two female students at UPenn were robbed and assaulted on Friday, December 19. The safety advisory e-mail sent to Drexel students on Monday claimed that the suspect, a tall black male, was armed with a knife and handgun and broke into an apartment on 44th and Spruce. The two female inhabitants of the apartment were robbed, and one of them was sexually assaulted according to the advisory e-mail.

The cautionary message was also sent via text message to students who have registered their phones with DPS. However, at the time of this post, James Katsaounis, the executive director of student life and administrative services, was not available to comment on the delayed cautionary messages.

According to DPS, the suspect is also responsible to two previous similar incidents in Center City. DPS is reportedly increasing its presence on campus and is actively searching for the suspect to assist in the investigation. As always, students have been advised to follow the safety tips given by DPS:

Safety Tips:
1. Keep all doors and windows locked, even during brief periods of time.
2. Immediately contact Drexel Public Safety at (215) 895-2222 or via the Blue Light Emergency Phones located on campus if you feel in danger or observe suspicious activity.
3. Do not allow anyone to piggyback behind you when entering a locked building and alert Drexel Public Safety immediately to report anyone attempting to gain unauthorized entry.
4. Be aware of your surroundings and activity occurring around you.
5. Use the Drexel Walking Escorts by calling (215) 895-2822.
6. Make sure your mobile phone is registered with DrexelALERT via the DrexelOne portal https://one.drexel.edu