Two robberies took place recently near Vanderbilt’s campus.
On Oct. 27 at 10:15 p.m., Metropolitan Nashville Police informed Vanderbilt University Police they were responding to the scene where a Vanderbilt graduate student reported being robbed near campus.
At approximately 10:10 p.m, the student was walking on Division Street near 20th Avenue South, when a black male approached him and pointed a handgun at him. The suspect said he would shoot unless the student turned over his wallet and watch. The gunman took the student’s belongings and then ran from the area in an unknown direction.
The suspect was described as a black male, in his early 30s, approximately 5’10” to 5’11” in height with a slim build and wearing a black jacket, red hoodie and gray sweat pants. The suspect was last seen in the 20th Avenue and Division Street area.
On Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., a Vanderbilt graduate student walked into VUPD’s office located on 1810 Edgehill Avenue to report a robbery that occurred off campus.
At approximately 7:50 p.m., the student was walking from a campus lab to her car, which was parked off campus near Tremont Street and 15th Avenue South. As the student neared the vehicle, the student heard persons running up from behind. One person pointed a handgun at the student and gave instructions not to move and demanded the student’s phone and backpack. The gunman then instructed the student to walk toward Edgehill Avenue while the gunman and the other two suspects ran north on 15th Avenue South.
The suspects were described as three young black males, possibly in their teens. The gunman was approximately 5’11” wearing a green baseball cap, an orange bandana covering his face, a black long-sleeved shirt, possibly a pullover. The second suspect was approximately 5’05” with close cut hair, wearing a white hoodie with a red logo on the front. The third suspect was approximately 5’08”; the student was unable to provide any clothing description. All three suspects were last seen running north on 15th Avenue South.
If you have information about these or a similar incidents, please call The Vanderbilt University Police Department at (615) 322-2745.
Risk Reduction Tips
- Scan the area before you exit or approach your vehicle or building and while you proceed between sites.
- Avoid isolated or dark areas.
- Report any suspicious persons to VUPD. Be prepared to describe the person as best as you can.
- Watch out for each other. If you see someone who looks like they do not belong in the building or area, contact VUPD immediately.
Contact: VUPD, (615) 322-2745