Newark Police investigate armed robbery at University Courtyard Apartments

3:47 p.m., Sept. 18, 2012--Newark Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred around 2:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, in the parking lot of University Courtyard Apartments.

A 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, both University of Delaware students,  were sitting on the curb in front of Building 300 when they were approached by two men, armed with silver revolvers. As the victims were standing up, one of the suspects struck the woman in the fact causing her to fall to ground. The male victim then placed his hands in the air and sat back down on the curb. One suspect took the female victim's cell phone while the other suspect removed the male victim's wallet and cell phone. After removing the man's property, one suspect kicked him in the face. Both suspects then fled on foot toward Newark High School.

Newark Police officers responded to the scene and, with the assistance of the University of Delaware Police canine unit, checked the area for the suspects, but they were not found. 

The male victim, who is from Newark, Del., sustained abrasions to his face, and the female victim, who is from Wilmington, Del., had facial swelling.

The first suspect is described as 17-22 years old, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a medium build, weighing 180-200 pounds. He was wearing a gray or black hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and dark colored jeans.  

The second suspect is described as 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a small build, weighing 130-150 pounds. Description of his clothing only mentioned red and white basketball-style sneakers. 

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Nick Sansone at 302-366-7110, ext. 135, or nick.sansone@cj.state.de.us. Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD with the message to TIP411. Information also can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available. 

Safety tips

UD is committed to maintaining a safe environment for the members of its community. University of Delaware Police officers and student police aides regularly patrol campus by day and during the late-night hours, and a free walking escort program is available by calling 302-831-2222 or by using one of the many blue light emergency phones located across campus. In addition, aides maintain a presence on UD shuttle buses during late-night runs.

Here are some safety guidelines:

• Show a confident attitude and be alert and aware of your surroundings. Follow common sense safety precautions at all times.

• Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with a group, ride a UD shuttle bus or call for a walking escort.

• Use crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals to cross streets.

• Keep your doors locked (room and vehicle). Do not prop open residence doors -- this is an invitation for trespassers.

• Keep doors of rooms and vehicles locked.

• Do not lend keys, ID or building access cards to anyone.

• Immediately report all maintenance problems, such as broken locks and windows.

• Identify all valuables, and register computers, bicycles and stereos with Public Safety.

• Especially for women, Public Safety offers Rape Aggression Defense classes.

• Do not walk on or alongside railroad tracks, and only cross at designated sites, observing the warning signals.

• Report all suspicious activity by calling 911 from on or off campus.

Keep informed. UD’s philosophy is to fully publicize campus-related crime to ensure the campus community is made aware of public health and safety issues. News of crime incidents on or near campus, are reported on UDaily and through Crime Alerts. 

If you are a crime victim, report the crime to the police as soon as possible. Detailed descriptions of the suspects are invaluable to investigators, as are details such a license plate numbers or types or vehicles.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please email Public Safety.