University Police are advising students to travel in pairs, lock valuables in vehicles and stay on lighted paths after a robbery occurred in the parking lot west of the Marriott Library on Saturday at 2:10 p.m. The university alerted campus of the incident at 3:42 p.m.
The suspects targeted the victim in the southwest end of the lot. A slender white male with a blonde buzzcut and no facial hair — estimated to be about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and in his mid-20s to early 30s — approached the victim. According to UPD Chief Dale Brophy, the man took the victim’s Apple MacBook Pro after a physical altercation.
The laptop, valued at $2,500, had just been purchased at the campus store. The described person of interest in the case was in the store observing the victim select a computer. He followed the victim out of the store and into the parking lot, where he grabbed the victim in “a bear hug,” according to a UPD press release. It went on to say the victim resisted and “a short struggle occurred.” The computer fell to the ground, then the suspect grabbed it and fled.
The victim received minor scrapes on his hands and elbow, but did not need medical treatment. Brophy said the suspect did not use a weapon in the attack.
There is no description for the second suspect, who was waiting in a getaway car. The vehicle is described as a “newer Civic or Mazda 3 style” dark gray four-door sedan with tinted windows.
UPD was not available to provide more details or comment on its investigation into the crime. If the suspects are spotted, UPD has asked the public to avoid them and call 911.