ASSAULT AND ROBBERY - Church Street SE just north of Washington Avenue SE

POSTED: October 31, 2011

On Friday, October 28 at approximately 7: 15 p.m., a University of Minnesota student was the victim of an assault and robbery. The crime occurred on Church Street on the East Bank campus just north of Washington Avenue.

The victim was walking north on Church Street when he observed four young males standing on the east side of Vincent Hall. As the victim walked past, one of the suspects knocked him to the ground and began punching him. The suspects took the victim’s cell phone, and the victim was slightly injured in the assault.

The victim chased the suspects as they fled across the Northrop Mall and was assisted by a University of Minnesota Security Monitor. One of the suspects was caught by University Police and was arrested. The other three suspects were not caught. The three suspects are described as young black males wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-COPS (2677). Reference case number UM-11-326673.

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

* An analysis of robberies that have occurred in the area in 2011 show that in at least two of the incidents the victim was on a mobile phone when they were approached from behind by the suspects. 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.).

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://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.