February 16, 2004 

STATEMENT ON REPORTED ROBBERY TO THE UMKC POLICE DEPARTMENT

At 11:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Police Department received a report of a robbery that occurred on 51st Street at Swinney Recreational Center (5030 Holmes Street).

The incident is reported to have happened on 51st Street near the Swinney Recreational Center shortly before 11:00 p.m., February 15, 2004.

The victim had been approached by a female at 51st and Troost Avenue, who asked the victim if he would walk with her, as she did not feel safe. The victim and female were walking west on 51st Street and as they came to 51st and Holmes (outside the Swinney Recreational Center), a vehicle stopped near them and two males exited the vehicle. One of the males asked the victim what he was doing with his “woman.” The same male suspect then produced a knife and demanded the victim's money, and the victim complied by giving the suspect his wallet.

The two males and the female then entered the vehicle and left the area driving southbound on Cherry from 51st Street . The female left willingly with the two males and at this time it is believed she was an accomplice in this robbery.

There were no reported injuries and no visible signs of injuries to the victim.

The adult male victim is a student with the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Descriptions:

• Vehicle – White in color, 4 door, and small in size, described as box shaped. No license information at this time.
• Suspects –
• African American female, approximately 6 foot tall, thin build, wearing blue pants. Age was estimated in the 20's.
• African American male, approximately 5 foot 7 inches tall, thin build, wearing dark pants, short hair. Age was estimated in the 20's.
• African American male, approximately 5 foot 7 inches tall, thin build. Age was estimated in the 20's.

The UMKC Police Department is conducting an investigation of this incident. If you have any information, or were in the area of this incident about the time it occurred please call the police department at 235-1515 and ask to speak with the Sergeant on duty.

Crime Prevention Tips

• Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
• Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.
• Always walk in well-lighted areas.
• Avoid the use of short cuts.
• After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
• Always stay near the curb.
• If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
• If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.
• Do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.

Tips for Confronting Danger

1. Trust your instincts. If something "feels wrong" (with a person, a building, a situation, etc.), something probably is wrong. Even if you don't know why you are uncomfortable, change your plans, move away from the person, get out of the area - whatever is necessary to make the feeling go away.
2. Know yourself. How do you react in crisis situations? Do you scream, cry, freeze? What might be your personal defense options? Every situation is different.
3. In any annoying or dangerous situation, you will be the best judge of what you need to do to handle the situation. There is no one "right" approach.

Other crime prevention tips, as well as informational workshops, may be obtained by contacting the crime prevention office of the UMKC Police Department. 235-1515.