2 armed robberies reported Thursday morning

Temple Police are still investigating two armed robberies that occurred around Main Campus early Thursday morning.

Executive Director of Campus Safety Services Charlie Leone said the first robbery occurred at around 12:05 a.m. near a food store at the intersection of 10th and Susquehanna streets. A student parked his 2005 blue/green Cadillac near the store, and went inside to make a purchase, Leone said.

As the student was leaving the store, two men approached him, one of whom was armed with a handgun, Leone said. They then took the student’s car, cell phone and other personal items.

Leone added police are still looking for the car, which has a New Jersey license plate. A TU Alert was sent out about the incident at about 12:45 a.m. No injuries were reported.

In the second armed robbery, Leone said a student was walking north on 15th Street near Montgomery Avenue when two men approached him. One of the men pulled out a black handgun and demanded the student to turn around, Leone added.

The men then went through the student’s pockets and took his iPhone 4, $32, keys and identification, Leone added. They then fled south on 15th Street, and got into a black or dark colored Dodge Charger, Leone added.

A TU Alert was sent out about the incident at around 3:50 a.m. No injuries were reported.

The first suspect in this case was last seen wearing a red Phillies sweatshirt, a red baseball cap, and dark blue jeans. He was reported to be 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall and in his early 20s, Leone said.

The second suspect was last seen wearing a red sweatshirt with white lettering that says “Life Guard,” and dark blue jeans. He is also in his early 20s, Leone said.

Leone added Temple Police has some “great video and stills” from cameras in the area and is working with Philadelphia Police to release the images.

“I feel very confident these males will be identified and apprehended soon,” Leone said of the second armed robbery.

Tipsters can contact Temple Police at 215-204-1234.

Steve Bohnel can be reached at steve.bohnel@temple.edu or on Twitter @Steve_Bohnel.

Suspect identified, arrested in sexual assault of student last month

Shakree Bennett, 23, has been arrested by Philadelphia Police for allegedly sexually assaulting a student last month. | COURTESY Philadelphia Police

Shakree Bennett, 23, has been arrested by Philadelphia Police for allegedly sexually assaulting a student last month. | COURTESY Philadelphia Police

A man has been identified and arrested in connection to the reported sexual assault of a 20-year-old female student Sept. 28.

According to a press release from Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey, 23-year-old Shakree Bennett, who last known address is on Harlan Street near Master, has been arrested and charged with rape, aggravated assault, sexual assault and robbery, along with other charges.

Bennett was extradited by parole agents from Essex County, New Jersey yesterday, and was transported to Philadelphia Police’s Special Victims Unit, where he was arrested, according to the release.

Executive Director of Campus Safety Services Charlie Leone previously told The Temple News Philadelphia Police had arrested a suspect—who was believed to be connected to the sexual assault—because of a warrant related to another incident. In an interview Wednesday, he said because Bennett fled the state, the process of charging him for the alleged sexual assault Sept. 28 takes more time.

“Each state is individualized with its laws, so the paperwork and process is different,” Leone said.

According to court records, Bennett’s preliminary hearing is scheduled on Oct. 29. Bail is currently set at 10 percent of $500,000.

Steve Bohnel can be reached at steve.bohnel@temple.edu or on Twitter @Steve_Bohnel.