ROBBERY and ASSAULT - Between Territorial Hall and the intersection of 17th Avenue and 3rd Street

POSTED: September 04, 2012

On Sunday, September 2nd at approximately 1:45 a.m., a University of Minnesota student was the victim of a robbery. The crime occurred somewhere between Territorial Hall and the intersection of 17th Avenue and Third Street in the Marcy Holmes neighborhood, just east of the Dinkytown Area. The victim was unable to be more specific about the location.

The victim was walking home when the suspect came up from behind and struck the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground. The suspect kicked the victim and demanded his valuables. The victim gave up his Iphone and some money. The victim suffered a bloody nose, but was not seriously injured.

The suspect is described as East Indian male between the ages of 19 and 20 years old and approximately six feet, one inch to six feet two inches tall, with short, straight black hair. A second suspect was also present, but did not take part in the robbery. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately five feet eleven inches to six feet tall.

The University of Minnesota Police Department is investigating this crime and increasing patrols in the area. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 612-626-TIPS (8477).

With the start of a new school year, 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. On weekends, Boynton Health Service sponsors the Gopher Chauffer to transport students to and from local entertainment areas.
* 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.).

The University of Minnesota issues Crime Alerts for crimes that may pose an ongoing threat to the University community. These alerts are to aid the campus community in their safety and are in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

For updates on any developments in this case, please visit the Crime Alerts page on the UMPD website. For more on campus safety and security, and for a list of campus safety resources available to you, visit the University's Safety and Security website.