MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The University of Minnesota is reminding students and pedestrians to take precautions while walking late at night after three people – two of them students – were robbed over the weekend.
The first incident occurred Saturday at 1:15 a.m. near the intersection of 10th Avenue and University Avenue. A U of M student was walking home when she was approached by two women who asked to use her phone, but the victim became suspicious and refused. That’s when one of the suspects began hitting the victim with a plastic patio chair until she gave up her iPhone. The victim suffered cuts, bruises and required medical attention.
The two suspects in the robbery are described as black females between the ages of 19 and 20 years old and approximately 5-feet-6-inches tall. The woman who struck the victim is described as having a light build, dressed in shorts, a T-shirt and silver boat shoes. She also wore her hair in a scrunchie. The second suspect had a heavy build and was also wearing shorts.
The second robbery took place Sunday between midnight and 1 a.m. near 10th Avenue and 6th Street. A U of M student was walking home when another man approached him, punched him in the face and took his wallet.
Then, at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a third person, who is not a student, was robbed at gun point by two suspects near Van Cleve Park. The suspects, however, were located and arrested after the victim made a positive identification.
Anyone with information on the first two robberies is asked to call the Minneapolis Police Tip Line at 612-692-8477. Reference case MP-12-330219 with information on the first robbery described, and case MP-12-331813 for the second robbery.
The University of Minnesota Police Department asks that you remember the following:
• Always be aware of your surroundings because when you are distracted you make an easier target.
• When threatened with a weapon, it’s best not to resist. Your personal safety is more important than a lost wallet or cell phone.
• Walk in well lit areas and don’t walk alone. If you can’t find someone to walk with, call the Campus Escort service at 612-624-WALK for a free security escort.
• Carry minimal amounts of valuables.
• Keep written records of valuables, including model and serial numbers, in a safe place.
• Call 911 immediately if you are the victim or witness to a crime.
• Document information about the suspect for police (i.e. clothing descriptions, facial features, piercings or tattoos, speech, etc.).
