Two Men Rob Student On UTA Campus
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - An armed robbery happened on the third day of class for many University of Texas at Arlington students.
"This is the first day we're coming back to school and we don't expect to get this kind of news," said UTA junior Tinu Esayin.
Police said two men got out of a black sedan, showed a gun to a student and demanded his personal items.
He complied and the men fled south through the parking lot.
Police described the men as black, both 6'0" with average builds.
The Mav Alert system was used to alert students about the crime. They received warning messages on their cellphones, urging them to stay away from the parking lot where the robbery happened.
"I got the text message and I thought, 'oh wow, I don't know an armed robbery happened right across where I live,' I was kind of scared a little I guess," said UTA freshman Samantha West.
The campus urged students to walk in groups during evening classes and be aware of their surroundings.
"Maybe we'll try to walk in a group something like that. That will be more safe for us," said UTA grad student Sandeep Jayawant.
They can even call campus police if they need a police escort. Students worry they may be targets because at any given time they're carrying laptops or cell phones .
Three aggravated robberies happened near the campus back in May.
This crime occurred in a lot that faces student dorms, and where permits are required to park.
West, who resolved to be more careful, said despite her short time on campus she does feel safe. "I'm happy here. I like it. Nice dorms, nice people, a lot of diversity," she said.
Anyone with information about the incident can call UT Arlington police at 817.272.3381.
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