Police: 2 Armed Robberies Occur Within Minutes Of Each Other Near Fordham University

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Officials are warning people to remain alert after two armed robberies happened within minutes of each other near Fordham University in the Bronx.

The first incident happened just before 8 p.m. Monday night outside the popular Pugsley's Pizza on 191st Street across from the Fordham University campus gates.

Police say an 18-year-old woman was stopped by two men, and one grabbed her by the neck and stuck something in her side, 1010 WINS' John Montone reported. They took off with her iPhone.

"I'm surprised. I always feel safe right outside Puglsleys. I always go there 9, 10, 11 at night. I read that last night and I was kinda shocked," student Trent Monges told CBS2's Dick Brennan. 

The second attack happened five minutes later and just around the corner outside 2503 Hughes Avenue. Once again, two men stopped a 21-year-old man, flashed a knife and got away with his iPhone and wallet. The pair took off down 189th Street toward Arthur Avenue.

"It's just kinda weird that it's happening right at our campus," freshman Lucy Carney said, calling it "scary."

The NYPD had a strong presence in the area, and the university put out an alert to students.

Police said there are a lot of common sense safety tips: don't be flashing around your iPhone, don't have your earbuds in, don't be texting with your head down. Students here tell CBS2, "Yeah, we get it."

"You always know to walk with a friend. I feel comfortable enough being right off campus especially with public safety right there," sophomore Natalie Petit said.

But others were concerned that the muggings happened around 8 p.m.

"For the hour, it is a little early, but we do feel safe as long as we are walking together, just being cautious about our surroundings," sophomore Madalyn Fluehr said.

Police say the attackers were in their late teens, about six feet tall, wearing dark-colored hooded sweatshirts and dark pants.