A female student reported a forced robbery outside of Naraghi Hall the evening of Feb. 26.
The student was walking eastbound past Naraghi Hall when an average built, 5-foot-7-inch Hispanic male in his mid-20s wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans demanded the student’s backpack.
According to a University Police Department press release, the female student was walking on the sidewalk approaching Andre Lane and Parking Lot 11 when the robbery occurred.
The victim stated that the man’s hand was at his waistband, implying he had a weapon.
She then handed over her backpack and the man ran southeast toward Monte Vista Avenue. She was not touched or physically harmed.
Both students and university employees have shown concern following the incident.
“It makes you a little uneasy knowing someone got robbed near the building where you work,” Monica Teicheira, Administrative Support Assistant for the University Advancement, said.
Some students shared their perspective on safety when taking night classes.
“Of course I don’t feel safe taking a night class,” Francisco Pineda (senior, Psychology) said.
“At night, the traffic at school is slow, which means if anyone was to be encountered by the same scenario, they would not be able to get help by anyone nearby.”
Some students are also questioning the effectiveness of the Emergency Blue Light posts around campus.
“I don’t feel safe taking night classes because the Blue Light systems give the false impression of a safe environment, which is similar to that of a ‘security guy’ at a retail store,” Michael Griffith (senior, Business Major) said.
“The ‘security guy’ can’t do anything legally, it’s just meant to scare [robbers]. Once people know they can get away with things like this, the number of occurrences will only escalate.”
Students opinions vary. Those currently enrolled in night classes have a different perspective on the situation.
“I’m currently in a night class and it didn’t really phase me because I always leave with a friend,” Kelsey Mummert (1st year, Multiple Subject Credential Program) said.
“[If you] call the campus safety they’ll escort you.”
Senior Liberal Studies Major, Shelby DeLaMare also stated the incident does not make her anymore worried.
“I feel like this type of thing can happen anywhere and it wouldn’t stop me from taking a night class,” DeLaMare said.
DeLaMare also advised fellow students to call a Safety Shuttle after a night class.
The University Police Department provides Safety Shuttles throughout the campus Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cristal Gallegos, Student Assistant for the University Police Department, recommended that students “always walk with someone, be alert of your surroundings and use the Blue Lights located all around campus- they work.”
Public Safety encourages all community members to be vigilant when walking, running or biking alone, and to carry a cell phone with you to call 911 in case of emergency.
The University Police Department is still following up on this robbery investigation. They will be providing directed patrols to campus parking lots and surrounding areas.
In the month of February, there were 17 reported incidents of suspicious people, 7 reported incidents of suspicious circumstances, 4 reported thefts, 1 reported burglary and 1 reported robbery.
If anyone would like to know more information regarding the robbery or any of the incidents listed above, contact the University Police Department at 667-3911.