July 27, 2016
Source/Drexel University Police
Suspect in vandalism of former Beneficial Bank building at 12th and Chestnut Streets in Center City.
Philadelphia and Drexel University police are seeking help from the public to identify and locate two individuals who have repeatedly vandalized a Center City building that is slated to become home to the Thomas R. Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy.
According to authorities, the suspects were caught on security footage tagging up the former Beneficial Bank building at 12th and Chestnut streets, one of a string of incidents that began in April. The suspects last visited the building before 3 a.m. on June 7.
Drexel police released the following video of the suspects.
“They are two white males, maybe in their early to mid-20s, dark hair," said Drexel University Police Chief Eileen Behr. "One subject has a tattoo on his right forearm that looks like it could be a rifle or some type of gun. It’s very distinctive."
The Beneficial Savings Fund Society building, designed in 1916, served as Beneficial Bank's headquarters until roughly the turn of the century, according to PlanPhilly. After several stalled redevelopment projects, it was purchased in 2012 by personal injury attorney Thomas Kline. At the time, Kline said he envisioned the building being used for an educational or cultural purpose.
An official at Drexel's Thomas R. Kline School of Law did not immediately specify when the Institute of Trial Advocacy plans to move to Center City.
A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Citizens' Crime Commission for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 215-456-TIPS.
