Update to 7/12/16 Armed Robbery Incidents on Campus

July 13, 2016

On July 12, 2016, at approximately 9:20 p.m., UMPD received a call for a robbery that occurred outside, in front of Tydings Hall. As our officers were searching the area for the suspect in this case, we received two additional reports of robbery.

At approximately 9:08 p.m., the first robbery occurred near Tydings Hall, on the McKeldin Mall side. A weapon was implied. The victim complied with the suspect’s demand and handed over his property to the suspect.

At approximately 10:12 p.m., the second robbery occurred near Queen Anne’s Hall. And at approximately 10:15 p.m., the third robbery occurred near Queen Anne’s Hall. A black handgun was seen in these two incidents and property was taken.

In total, we had three reports. There were four victims all together. Three of the four victims are UMD students. None of the victims were injured. Our officers searched the area but were not able to locate the suspect.

Our Criminal Investigation Unit is actively investigating these cases. What we know is that three of the victims were playing the Pokémon Go game. The fourth victim was not playing the game but had their phone out. Items that were stolen were cell phones. We have no reason to believe that there is more than one suspect involved in these cases. The suspect is described as a male wearing a black mask and dark clothing.

These are still active investigations and when additional information become available for release, we will distribute accordingly. Individuals with any information regarding these cases are encouraged to contact UMPD at 301-405-3555.

Safety tips:

Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you.

If you see suspicious activity or behavior, call police right away.

Avoid isolation. Take a friend when playing the game and stay in well-lit areas.

Trust your instincts. They are a natural gift that tells you when something is wrong.

Don’t play the game while driving.

Do not trespass onto private property.

The University of Maryland Police Department provides an escort service for anyone who feels unsafe when walking on or near campus. If you would like an escort, please call to request one at 301-405-3555 (off campus) / 53555 (on campus). You may also use a blue light emergency phone to call for an escort. The police escort service is available to community members at all times.

Resources:

University of Maryland Police Department

Emergency Number 301-405-3333/ #3333 from a mobile phone/ 911

UMD Guardian (Mobile Campus Safety App)

umpdnews.umd.edu/umdguardian

Prince George's County Police Department

911 from mobile phone / 301-352-1200 (non-emergency) / 911

UMD Police Walking Escort

Non-Emergency: 301-405-3555

NITE Ride

301-314-6483

http://www.transportation.umd.edu/niteride.html