Police, Residents On High Alert After Another Robbery Near U Of M
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Another robbery at gunpoint near the University of Minnesota has police and neighbors on alert.
A person says he was robbed early Sunday morning as he walked near 8th Street Southeast and 12th Avenue. Over the last three weeks, four similar robberies have happened in the same area.
Around 3:45 a.m. Sunday, the intersection of 12th Avenue and 8th Street SE became the latest backdrop for a robbery. A 29-year-old man, who is not a student at the University of Minnesota, is the latest victim.
"And was approached by three adult males, one of which displayed a handgun, and they robbed the individual, the victim, of his wallet," John Elder, public information officer for the Minneapolis Police Department, said.
The three men ran away after they got what they wanted. The victim was not hurt.
Minneapolis police quickly coordinated with University of Minnesota Police to get the word out.
"It's been pretty bad lately," Michelle Senior, a student at the University of Minnesota, said.
Students are on high alert.
"I have an alarm on my keys and if I pull it, it'll make a noise and hopefully protect me," Senior said.
This is the fifth robbery of a person on or around the U's campus in less than a month. Investigators do not believe the previous four robberies are related to the most recent one.
"The clothing doesn't match, the ages don't match, the physical descriptions don't match," Elder said.
To make people aware, officers are on and near campus checking in with people, especially if they appear distracted.
"They are actually out in the area surrounding the U of M and in Dinky Town and making contact with people who appear vulnerable or they are not aware of their surroundings," Elder said.
Police are asking neighbors to leave their exterior lights on to help illuminate the area. Police are also working with neighborhood associations, holding safety meetings and asking property owners to get information about the robberies to their tenants.
The three men police are looking for in the recent robbery are in their 30s. If you have any information call crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or 1-800-222-8477.