Northwestern University Student Beaten, Robbed Near Law School Campus

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Northwestern law student is recovering on Monday after being attacked Sunday in the Gold Coast.

The man said he was beaten and robbed of his laptop, by as many as five people. CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot has more on the victim's condition and the investigation.

The incident happened near the intersection of Fairbanks Court and Superior Street at 8 p.m. Sunday night. It is the second robbery on the Chicago campus in two months.

Sources said the 22 year-old Northwestern law school student was walking northbound on Fairbanks. That's when he was approached by three men and two women. Sources said they used their closed fists to beat the student, took his laptop and cellphone, then ran away.

Some law students CBS 2 spoke to, say they're changing their routine, following the attack.

CBS 2: If you're walking out late, are you walking with other people?

"We're trying to. Yes. Walk together," said Maria DeCarcer, law student.

CBS: More walking in groups now?

"Yeah. That's it," she said.

A witness activated a nearby emergency box to call Chicago and University Police. The witness helped the student get to nearby Northwestern Memorial, for treatment.

Students said the university made everyone aware of the incident by email.

CBS: I saw you come out of the law school with your laptop right in your hand?

"I hadn't been thinking about it before. Pretty full backpack, but yeah, maybe that's something I should be thinking about, I guess. Since it's the middle of the day, hopefully it should be okay," said Cara O'Conner, law student.

"I'm glad to know that is happened so that I can be mindful," she said.

The suspects ran away and were not in custody as of Monday morning, police said.

A Northwestern University spokesperson said their police department is reviewing surveillance video from the area.

"The Northwestern University Police Department advises all community members to be alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night," according to the alert.

Area Central detectives are investigating.

(CBS Chicago and the Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this copy.  All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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