Chicago Police issue warning regarding string of North Side gunpoint robberies including Loyola and DuPaul campuses
Loyola University's police department issued a warning on Monday regarding an armed robbery that occurred near its Lake Shore Campus in Rogers Park over the past weekend. According to Loyola's Chief of Police and Director of Campus Safety, Thomas K. Murray, the incident took place at 3:40 a.m. on Sunday. Three students were standing outside the Marquette Hall student residence, located at 6255 N. Kenmore Ave. At that moment, a gray four-door sedan pulled up to the street.
Four individuals exited the vehicle, with one of them brandishing a firearm. They proceeded to demand the students' belongings, which included cellphones and wallets, as outlined by Murray. After taking the students' property, the perpetrators swiftly returned to their car and departed the scene.
These robberies came on the heels of a string of other similar crimes over the weekend on Chicago's North Side, including DePaul University where several students were robbed at gunpoint.
One of the victims sustained head injuries from being struck with a firearm and had to seek medical treatment. This marks the third consecutive weekend in which students have been subjected to such incidents.
The previous weekend there were reports of other robberies at DePaul University's Lincoln Park campus, as confirmed by university officials. The incidents occurred between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., leading to the issuance of two public safety alerts. University students were the victims in each of these incidents.
The first robbery occurred in the 2200 block of North Sheffield Avenue around 1 a.m. During this incident, three unidentified individuals approached a group consisting of a 19-year-old woman and two 20-year-old women who were outside. These individuals forcefully took their belongings before making a quick getaway in a maroon sedan.
At 1:20 a.m. in the 900 block of West Fullerton Avenue, two 19-year-old women were outdoors when they were confronted by two unidentified individuals who forcefully stole their belongings.
On Sunday, DuPaul University issued a letter that outlined the recent robberies and provided information about safety resources, including the university's safety escort service. They also made a commitment to enhance public safety on both campuses by deploying additional security officers.
University officials at both campuses emphasized their commitment to addressing these ongoing crime waves and ensuring the safety of the campus community. Chicago police have warned students to be particularly vigilant when walking on campus, especially at night, and to walk in groups whenever possible.
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