Police Investigate String Of Robberies On, Near Rutgers University Campus
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Students at Rutgers University are shaken up by a string of robberies on and near campus.
Police are searching for two suspects after a student was violently beaten and robbed on campus 10 days ago before the suspects used his credit card at a convenience store in Woodbridge.
Police say the suspects drove a brown BMW.
On Tuesday night, police were alerted of an attempted armed robbery occurred at the intersection of Union and Mine streets.
Police say a man approached a student walking along Mine Street and demanded cash and valuables, but the student said he didn't have anything. The man then took off running. The student was not injured.
It is the second robbery on campus within nearly a week, CBS2's Matt Kozar reported.
"We got an alert last night about an armed robbery right across the street," Rutgers senior Erin Piskin said.
Investigators say the suspect in Tuesday's incident is a heavy-set man with a medium complexion and has spiked, brown hair with facial hair. Police say he wore a white, long-sleeve shirt and had a deep voice and driving a white SUV.
"When I got the crime alert yesterday, I was like, whoa, that's right where I live," sophomore Alex Fray said.
"It's a little scarier because it is an armed robbery," another student said.
A Rutgers spokesman told CBS2 campus police are increasing patrols along College Avenue.
Students Kozar spoke with said the university has done a better job informing them of crimes in the area since the murder of 22-year-old William McCaw.
In February, McCaw's body was found in the backyard of an off-campus house. He had been beaten to death.
"I think you can sign up for text lerts on top of the email alerts. I think the university does a good job of keeping students informed," Piskin said.
Police say it is unclear if the robberies are connected and are asking students to walk in groups and avoid isolated areas—especially at night.
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