Armed Robbery Reported On U Of M Twin Cities Campus
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- University of Minnesota officials say an armed robbery happened early Tuesday morning in the heart of Dinkytown.
A safety bulletin says the robbery occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of 17th and University avenues. The suspect brandished a gun and robbed the victim. The bulletin did not say if the victim was hurt.
The suspect was described as someone wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with yellow writing across the chest, blue pants, flip flops and a medical-style mask. No description of sex or age was given.
In recent weeks, there have been at least 10 robberies on or near the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.
According to Minneapolis police, these robberies are part of an uptick in violent crime the city has seen this year. However, the number of recent robberies in Dinkytown is not a great deviation from the norm, as crime in the area tends to increase after students return in September.
University students say the recent robberies have them thinking more about their own safety.
"Everyone has crime on their campus," said Claire Pelky, a junior at the university. "But with us being in a city, it's amazing, but it's also easy access for people who don't belong here to come here."
University officials say those in the area should stay alert and beware of walking while texting or listening to headphones. Anyone who sees anything suspicious or criminal is asked to report it.