MU student assaulted, robbed on the Quad

Three men are suspected of committing the crime.

By Austin Alonzo

Published Sept. 18, 2008

An MU student was assaulted and robbed by three men Wednesday night while walking through campus.

The robbery took place around 12:05 a.m. on Francis Quadrangle between Engineering East and Switzler Hall, according to an MU police news release.

The 21-year-old student was approached from behind and forced down when the men grabbed his backpack. Once on the ground, two other men began kicking him while the first went through his backpack and stole his cell phone and wallet.

After the men searched the backpack, two ran toward Sixth Street and Stewart Road while the third man ran north toward Peace Park, police said.

The victim told police his attackers were wearing dark and heavy clothing.

He refused medical attention and said he was not injured.

This is the second robbery this year and the first this school year, according to police.

MUPD Capt. Brain Weimer said robbery is something his department does not see reported often.

"People need to realize that while the campus is a very safe campus, crimes do and can happen on our campus," Weimer said. "So it's important to be aware of them and try to do whatever you can to reduce them."

He said students should feel safe on campus but be mindful of their surroundings.

"It's important to try to walk in pairs whenever possible, make sure you aren't talking on a cell phone or listening to music, reading books or doing those type of things," Weimer said. "Be aware of your surroundings, try to walk in well-lit areas - those type of things could potentially help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a crime like this."

A Clery release about the robbery was sent to MU students via student e-mail. Weimer hopes this will bring police closer to an arrest.

Anyone with information can call detective Vernon Gerling at 884-2605 or Crime Stoppers at 875-8477 or submit tips online at 875tips.com.