Police Step Up Patrols Near Rutgers Campus After Student Robberies
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Police have stepped up patrols around Rutgers University in response to a spike in robberies near the school in New Brunswick.
Police said a student was assaulted and mugged by four men on Plum Street near the New Brunswick campus early Sunday morning.
One of the suspects, 18-year-old Myles Soni, was arrested and charged with robbery, aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit robbery, police said. The remaining suspects are still at large.
On Saturday night, another student was assaulted and robbed on Hamilton Street, police said.
The two weekend incidents were the fourth and fifth robberies of Rutgers students in the past three weeks, leaving many students on edge.
"It's just nerve-wracking," one student told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck. "You just got to make sure when it gets dark, you've got to be aware."
"Definitely scary," student Joy Patel told CBS2's Hazel Sanchez. "I'm definitely more cautious when I'm walking home alone at night and stuff like that. So I try to limit it also or just walk with a group."
"When you're walking at night, especially when you come in late from class, you want to have that feeling of safety in your head," student Paras Shaw said. "And when you don't have it, it's like, 'What can happen?' You think of all the scenarios, And everyone you see walking, even if they're on the other side of the street, you get worried."
Police said they can't say at this point if any of the robberies are connected.
Rutgers University police are urging students to remain alert, avoid isolated or dark areas and walk in groups.
"We're asking that the members of the community have a personal safety pla. That they travel in groups when possible, and they notify us immediately if they see anything suspicious," Lt. Paul Fischer, said.
"You never like to hear the crime alerts, but it's nice to be aware of what's going on and see that they're taking steps to try and prevent this from happening," student Anthony Hort said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Brunswick Police Department Detective Bureau at 732-745-5218 or the Rutgers Police Department Investigations Unit at 848-932-8025 or 732-932-7211.
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