December 05, 2011
Safety Alert
The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Public Safety is investigating an attempted strong-arm robbery and aggravated battery that occurred during the weekend.
Police said three men reportedly attacked two victims who were walking together about 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, on the west side of the Student Recreation Center. The suspects battered the two victims and attempted to rifle through their pockets in a search for valuables. Nothing was taken and the victims declined medical treatment.
The first suspect is described as a black male, about 5-feet, 10-inches tall with a “faded” haircut wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. The second suspect is described as a black male, about 5-feet 10-inches tall with dreadlocks and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. The third suspect is described as a black male slightly taller than the other two and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
Police said the two victims were walking on the pedestrian bridge between the Newman Center and the base camp at the Student Recreation Center when they encountered one of the suspects, who was acting as though he was ill. When the two victims walked around him, the other two suspects attacked them.
The suspects were last seen walking south on the sidewalk toward the towers.
Anyone with information about the incident should call the SIU Carbondale Department of Public Safety at 618/453-3771 or the Crime Stoppers Line at 618/549-COPS.
Police advise members of the campus community to be aware of their surroundings at all times, and if traveling at night to use the Saluki Express, Night Safety Transit Service and Brightway Path. In addition, emergency call phones are located across campus, including on both overpasses.
For more information on safety precautions, visit the Department of Public Safety website at http://www.dps.siu.edu/.