July 6, 2009

STATEMENT ON REPORTED STRONG-ARMED ROBBERY

At about 5:10 p.m., Thursday, July 2, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Police Department received a report of a theft of a wallet by physical force from a student in the parking area 32 north surface lot (north of Oak and Cherry Street Residence Halls). Upon arrival at the scene, officers learned that the victim – a UMKC female student – was en route to the UMKC Police Department headquarters to file a report. The victim did not appear to have injuries and refused medical attention.

Based on the description provided by headquarters, the officers began their search of the area for the suspect, which produced negative results at that time; however, the search produced positive results for the suspect’s clothing and the victim’s wallet. The reported items in the victim’s wallet were not recovered.

When the officers returned to headquarters, they spoke to the victim, who stated that she had been assaulted from behind by a male suspect. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse, and she was thrown to the ground when she refused to let it go. She began to scream and was again pushed to the ground. At that time, the suspect reached into the victim’s purse, grabbing her wallet. He was last seen heading north on Oak Street.

The suspect was described as an African-American male, between 20-25 years of age, wearing black jeans, a black shirt and flip flops.

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 don’t hesitate to call the UMKC Police Department at 235-1515 and ask to speak with Det. Sgt. Brewington or the supervisor on duty.

As standard operation, the UMKC Police Department maintains the highest possible levels of patrol and visibility on the Volker and Hospital Hill campuses. Crime prevention tips, as well as informational workshops, may be obtained by contacting the crime prevention office of the UMKC Police Department at 235-1515, or visiting the UMKC Police Web site, http://www.umkc.edu/adminfinance/police/.