Police search for man who stole student’s backpack and laptop from Phila U. classroom

Philadelphia Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man who, they say, took a student’s backpack and purse from a Philadelphia University classroom last month.

Police say a female student was outside of her classroom on Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. when she noticed an unknown man leaving the classroom with her backpack and purse. She chased him outside into the parking lot where the suspect dropped the purse but fled on foot with the backpack.

Video surveillance shows the suspect talking on his cell phone while casually walking out of the Henry Avenue building with a backpack and purse.

Police say the backpack contained a silver colored MacBook Pro computer with an apple sticker that had the name “Samantha” on it.

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The suspect is described as a black male between the ages of 18 and 25, 5’10”-6′ in height with short hair. He was wearing a black hoody with “Philly” written across the front in white letters, black sweatpants and black sneakers.

If you have any information about this crime or the suspect, contact the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353. To submit an anonymous tip, use this form.

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