June 30 , 2004 

STATEMENT ON REPORTED ROBBERY (PURSE SNATCH) TO THE UMKC POLICE DEPARTMENT

At 11:41 A.m., Tuesday, June 29th, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Police Department received a report of a robbery-purse snatch that occurred on the sidewalk in front of 5341 Holmes.

The victim, a UMKC student, had been walking northbound on the sidewalk when she was approached by the suspect who was walking southbound. As he approached he raised his hands as if he was going to strike her. He then grabbed for the victim's purse. The victim released her purse without a struggle and the suspect fled the scene on foot southbound.

A witness came forward and advised the suspect entered a vehicle, at 54 th and Holmes, and drove eastbound across Rockhill Rd. The vehicle was last seen approaching Troost.

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

Descriptions:

• Vehicle – Grey, Late Model, Mitsubishi, Galant, with an unknown Missouri Temporary license.
• Suspect– African American male, approximately 6' 2”, 190 lbs, wearing a white shirt with a red logo, dark blue jeans. Age was estimated in the mid 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 Sergeant Dean Leach.

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.