ARMED ROBBERY AND ASSAULT - LEANING TOWER OF PIZZA 2501 University Avenue SE

POSTED: NOVEMBER 6, 2009

On Wednesday, November 4 at approximately 7:30 p.m., an 18-year-old University of Minnesota student was the victim of an armed robbery and assault at the Leaning Tower of Pizza restaurant at 2501 University Avenue SE. The restaurant is part of the University Village complex.

The victim had listed a phone for sale on-line and had arranged to meet a potential buyer at the Leaning Tower of Pizza. While the potential buyer/suspect was inspecting the phone, a second suspect shot the victim in the face with a pellet gun – apparently without warning. The suspects then fled on foot westbound on University Avenue.

While the victim was not seriously injured, he was taken to UMMC, Fairview where he was treated for his injuries.

The first suspect is described as a black male, between 18 and 24 years old, with a heavy build and approximately five feet six inches to five feet eight inches tall. The suspect is bald and was wearing a large black jacket, and blue or black jeans.

The second suspect is described as a white male, between 18 and 24 years old and approximately six feet one inch to six feet three inches tall. He has sandy colored hair and beard, and was wearing a dark stocking cap, a white jacket and jeans.

Minneapolis Police are investigating the robbery. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Minneapolis Police Department tip line at 612-692-8477. Reference case number MP-09-306951.

The image below shows where the armed robbery and assault occurred:

The University of Minnesota Police Department asks that you remember the following:

* When threatened with a weapon, it's best not to resist. Your personal safety is more important than a lost wallet or cell phone.
* Always be aware of your surroundings.
* 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.).

This Crime Alert is sent in compliance with the federal Clery Act which requires universities to alert the campus community of crimes that may pose an ongoing threat to students and employees. For updates on any developments in this case, please visit the Crime Alerts page on the UMPD website: http://http://www1.umn.edu/police/alerts.html

For more on campus safety and security, and for a list of campus safety resources available to you, visit the University's Emergency Preparedness Web Site.