Hamline University Safety and Security Services would like to inform the Hamline Community about a robbery that occurred near the campus Saturday, September 8, 2007 at approximately 11:30 pm.
Three Hamline female students were walking east on Taylor Avenue approaching Albert Street when two males came up behind them and said, “Habla Espanol.” The first suspect, a Hispanic male, then pointed a silver and white handgun at one of the victims and said, “Give me your purse.” The second suspect, a black male, said the same to a second victim. When the third student attempted to use her phone to call police, one of the suspects took it away from her. The suspects fled west on Taylor Avenue. The students immediately called the Saint Paul police, and a report was made. A police canine unit tracked the suspects to the corner of Albert Street and Englewood Avenue.
This incident is now under investigation by Saint Paul police. In response to the incident, Hamline University has requested that St. Paul police increase patrols throughout the university neighborhood.
SUSPECT DESCRIPTIONS:
(Information regarding suspect descriptions came from the report that victims gave to the Saint Paul Police Department).
Suspect #1 is a Hispanic male, early 20’s, 5'10" - 5'11", heavy build, approximately 275 – 300 lbs, with a goatee. He was wearing a white hooded, zip-up sweatshirt with the hood up. On the left breast or shoulder of the sweatshirt was an “R”. He was wearing Roca wear brand blue jeans and white Addidas tennis shoes. The hair visible under the hood was black and appeared to be cut short.
Suspect #2 is a black male, early 20’s, 5’7” to 5’8”, average build, approximately 150 lbs, goatee, black hair in cornrows, with a missing or chipped front tooth. He was wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt with a gold zipper and gold design diamond pattern throughout. On the left shoulder of the sweatshirt there is a red and green emblem. He was wearing dark colored denim jeans and white Addidas tennis shoes.
Here are some general safety tips when out and about.
• USE THE 24-HOUR, SEVEN-DAY-A-WEEK SAFETY AND SECURITY ESCORT SERVICE. Call 651-523-2100.
• If approached or confronted, get away as soon as possible! Run if necessary.
• Go to a safe location immediately and call for help. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. If on or near campus, call Safety & Security (651-523-2100) as soon as possible for assistance.
• Use well-lighted streets. Avoid isolated areas. Walk with a friend.
• Carry a small amount of cash and give it up readily.
• Always have your keys ready when you approach your vehicle or front door.
• Remember that carrying large or cumbersome packages makes you vulnerable.
• Ignore and walk away from panhandlers or tell them that you will call the police.
• If being followed, cross the street and go the other direction.
• Know where you are going and how to get there.
• Know where businesses and public buildings are located and their hours of operation.
• Never approach a person or situation that appears dangerous. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
• Present a potential attacker with the impression that you are alert, aware of your surroundings and confident. Verbal commands, body language and distance provide a defense that can be used to escape or scare off an attacker.
For more information or a map of these boundaries, click here.
