A graduate student and a friend were sitting at the bus stop at 17th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue when a male approached them, pointed a handgun at them and demanded money. The student and his friend stated that they did not have any money. The three then walked to the CVS Pharmacy located at 21st Avenue South and Scarritt Place to withdraw money from an ATM inside the store. When the student and his friend entered the pharmacy, the suspect stayed outside. They told the store clerk to call the police. The suspect ran from the area away from campus. Both Vanderbilt University Police Department and Metro Nashville Police Department officers responded and searched the area.
Description: The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 18-20 years of age, 5’10-5’11, 140 pounds, wearing a blue-and-white plaid hoodie, gray or light-colored jeans and Nike athletic shoes. He was last seen running down the alley between 19th Avenue South and 21st Avenue South.
If you have information about this or a similar incident, please call the Vanderbilt University Police Department at (615) 322-2745.
Risk Reduction Tips
- If strangers approach, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number.
- Avoid isolated or dark areas.
- 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.
- Report any suspicious persons to VUPD. Be prepared to describe the person as best as you can.
- Know the location of emergency phones.
- Avoid going to ATMs alone, after dark or if suspicious persons are nearby.
Report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities immediately. In an emergency, dial 911 or use a blue light phone. From a cell phone, dial (615) 421-1911.
Contact: Vanderbilt University Police Department, (615) 322-2745