PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police are on the lookout for a suspect they say stabbed and robbed a Temple University employee just off campus.
Temple police released still images taken from security camera video of a man they say stabbed and robbed a Temple employee early on Jan. 16, a block south of Temple's Regional Rail stop and just outside two off-campus housing complexes.
Michael Smith, deputy director of organizational affairs with Temple police, said it happened around 7:10 a.m. Temple police responded to a call of an assault on the 1000 block of Montgomery Avenue. They found a Temple employee with a stab wound in his right arm.
"Initial reports were that the suspect was in some kind of mental distress, which still may be the case … but as a result of additional investigation, it was determined that it was a robbery, aggravated assault, stabbing," Smith said.
Police said the suspect approached the employee with a knife and tried to take his bags. A struggle ensued, and the employee fell to the ground. The suspect stabbed him in the arm and took his wallet.
The suspect then used the employee's credit card at a nearby bodega.
The victim was transported to Temple University Hospital and is alert and conscious, according to a university statement released earlier in the day.
In security footage, the suspect is seen wearing a bright blue jacket over a hoodie and jeans. He was last seen fleeing east on Montgomery Avenue toward 8th Street after the incident.
"If anybody sees or is aware of any information, 911 would be great. They could put information out that way. They could also call Temple Radio Communications directly at 215-204-1234."
Philadelphia police are assisting Temple police with the ongoing investigation.
