VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL CRIME NOTICE
Robbery off campus
On Saturday, Nov. 5, at approximately 8:55 p.m., the Metro Police Department received a report of a robbery in the parking lot of the McDonalds Restaurant at 2700 West End Avenue next to Centennial Park. A man stated that when he walked out of the restaurant he was approached by three males, one of whom had his hand in his pocket and said that he had a gun, though no gun was actually seen by the victim. The suspects told the man that they wanted his money and his wallet. After he gave them his wallet, they fled on foot running down West End Avenue toward 31st Ave.
Description: Three males all in their twenties. One was a male black wearing a black hoody. One was a male black wearing a blue hoody. One was a male white wearing blue jeans and a red t-shirt.
Robbery off campus
On Sunday, Nov. 6, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Metro Police Department received a report of a robbery on 16th Ave South between Edgehill Avenue and Wedgewood Avenue, about two blocks east of the Peabody campus. The two victims, who are Belmont students, said that they were walking back to Belmont from downtown on 16th Avenue and were nearing Wedgewood Avenue when they were approached by two males, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The suspects told the women to give them their cell phones and purses. After the women gave them their cell phones and purses, the suspects fled on foot running down 16th Avenue toward Edgehill Avenue.
Description: SUSPECT #1: male black, 6’1″, in his 20s, wearing a dark-colored stocking cap (not covering face), and baggy, dark-colored sweatshirt.
SUSPECT #2: male black, 5’10”, in his 20s, wearing a dark-colored, three-quarter length windbreaker, armed with a silver handgun.
If you have information relating to this or a similar incident, call the Vanderbilt University Police Department at (615) 322-2745. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME (615-742-7463).
Risk Reduction Tips
- Scan the area before you exit or approach your vehicle or building and while you proceed between sites.
- Have your key ready in hand to quickly access the door of your vehicle or building.
- Avoid isolated or dark areas.
- Travel with confidence and purpose.
- If strangers approach, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number.
- Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy, leave. Go to a safe location and notify VUPD.
- Lock doors and windows of your room/building. Don’t prop open doors, thwart security measures, or let strangers in.
- Avoid going to ATMs alone, after dark, or if suspicious persons are nearby.
- Know the location of emergency phones.
- Stay alert and plan ahead for “What if…?” scenarios.
Remember these on-campus resources:
Psychological & Counseling Center, 322-2571
Employee Assistance Program, 936-1327
Student Health Services, 322-2427
Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center, 322-4843
VUPD Victim’s Advocate, 574-4735
Crisis Intervention and Support Groups, 322-1333
Report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities immediately. On campus, dial 911 or use a Blue Light phone. From a cell phone, call (615) 421-1911.
Contact: Vanderbilt University Police Department, (615) 322-2745