October 29, 2004

STATEMENT ON REPORTED ROBBERY TO THE UMKC POLICE DEPARTMENT

At 8:02 PM, Thursday, October 28, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Police Department received a report of a robbery-stolen vehicle that occurred on the surface parking lot located on the north side of 25th street between Charlotte and Campbell Street , Hospital Hill.

The victim, a UMKC student, along with another UMKC student, had been walking eastbound across the parking lot to her vehicle located in the parking lot. When the victim reached her vehicle she was approached by the suspect who displayed a handgun and told the victims to give him the keys and cell phone. Upon receiving the keys (to the vehicle) and the cell phone, the suspect entered the vehicle and drove away, leaving the victims at the scene.

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

Descriptions:

• Suspect –African American male, approximately 5'11”, 165 lbs, wearing a blue jersey with white letters, possibly “FUBO 05,” and blue jeans.

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 on-duty Sergeant.

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.