Hamline University Safety and Security Services would like to inform the Hamline Community about an attempted robbery that occurred near the campus today, May 1st, 2006 at approximately 9:30 AM.
A Hamline student was just off campus, in the alley behind Hewitt Avenue, Holton to Pascal when the incident occurred. As the student walked on Holton approaching the east end of the alley he observed the suspect walking toward him from the Hewitt & Holton intersection. The suspect was about 50 yards away when he called to the victim by saying “Excuse me sir, can I ask you a question?” The victim kept walking and proceeded west down the alley. He heard the suspect run up behind him and then the suspect said, “Don’t look. I have a knife in my pocket. Do you have a wallet?” The victim said he did not. The suspect then said, “What do you have in the bag?” The victim did not answer. At this time, the victim reported that another person started walking down the alley toward them and the suspect fled the scene east bound back down the alley. The victim did not report seeing the knife or any other weapon. He said that he continued to walk quickly throughout the incident.
SUSPECT DESCRIPTION: African-American male, 20-30 years, 5'5" - 5'8", thin build, clean shaven, ear length dread locks. He was wearing a dark hunter green or black windbreaker style jacket, baggy dark blue jeans and a black Yankees baseball cap with a white "NY" logo.
Here are some general safety tips when out and about:
- 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 as soon as possible for assistance.
- Use well-lighted streets. Avoid isolated areas. Go with a friend.
- Use the Safety and Security escort service.
- Carry a small amount of cash and give it up readily.
- Always have your keys ready when you approach your vehicle or front door.
- Carrying large or cumbersome packages make 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.
