September 24, 2004 VUPD# 04-37006 MNPD# 04-489645

SECURITY ALERT Robbery

It was reported to this department that a robbery occurred on September 24 at approximately 12:42 am on the side walk near 23rd Avenue North and West End Avenue. The victim, a student, reported that a friend and he were walking back to campus on 23rd Avenue North from Elliston Place. They noticed a vehicle drive past them and then turn around in a nearby parking lot coming to a stop immediately behind them. The friend of the victim fled the area and called Metro Police on his cell phone. The passenger of the vehicle exited the car, pointed a handgun at the victim's chest, and ordered the victim to empty his pockets. After taking the victim's valuables the suspect then ordered the victim to run away. The suspect then reentered the vehicle which was last seen making a northbound turn off of West End Avenue. A serach of the area was conducted with negative results. Neither the victim nor the witness were injured in this incident.

Suspect Description:
Suspect #1 Male black, 6'0", 150 pounds, black hair in dreadlocks, brown eyes, last seen wearing a blue ball cap, long white t-shirt, and baggy jeans.
Suspect #2 Male black, approximately 200 pounds (this suspect was driving the vehicle and never exited the car)
Vehicle Description: White 2 door vehicle, possibly a Honda Accord or Ford Escort.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION RELATING TO THESE OR SIMILAR INCIDENTS,
PLEASE CALL VU POLICE AT 32(2-2745)
IF YOU WISH TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS,
CALL CRIME STOPPERS AT 74-CRIME (742-7463).

PLEASE REMEMBER

  • Stay alert and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS -- If you feel uneasy, leave. 
  • On or off campus, walk/jog/bike in groups of three or more in well-lighted and well-traveled areas; otherwise, after dark on campus, use the ESCORT SERVICE. (NOTE: Before parking on campus after dark, stop by the Police & Security Building at 2800 Vanderbilt Place or the ER.
  • Ask for an officer to meet & escort you from your parking space.)
  • Scan the area before you exit or approach your vehicle/building and while you proceed between sites.
  • Have your key ready in hand to quickly access the door of your vehicle/building.
  • If strangers approach, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number.
  • Lock doors and windows of your room/building. Don't prop open doors, thwart security measures, or let strangers in.
  • Avoid going to ATM's alone, after dark, or if suspicious persons are nearby.
  • Think ahead about what you would do under dire circumstances. Try to get a description.
** REPORT SUSPICIOUS PERSONS, VEHICLES, OR ACTIVITIES IMMEDIATELY! **
ON CAMPUS, DIAL 1-1911 OR USE A BLUE LIGHT PHONE!
(NOTE: In Medical Center shuttle lots & Lot 72, call 421-1911!)

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