Attempted Robbery-UIC campus

[mg.mikael]

I get these crime alert messages every so often from my university, this however is one of the first where a student fought back, so I thought I'd post it. What would you have done in this sistuation(where a handgun was brandished)? I'm wondering what folks have to say about this.

"On October 19, at 9:00 p.m., a UIC student was the target of an attempted armed robbery off-campus in the alley off the 700 block of S. Ada. The student stated he was approached by a lone subject who asked him for the time. The offender then grabbed the student and demanded money, but the student replied he had none. The offender displayed a silver handgun, pointed at the student's foot, whereupon the student struck the offender in the face and began to yell for help. The offender fled southbound on Ada. The student was not injured and lost no property.

***UIC Police strongly recommend complying with an armed offender whose intent appears to be property or valuables.***

Other security tips:

-Be aware of your surroundings. Use all five of your senses to be alert for danger, and when walking alone, don't wear headphones or earbuds.
-Try to travel in groups when possible, particularly after dark.
-Use well-lit walkways.
-On campus, look for the location of the nearest emergency call box (there are more than 1,500 across campus.)
-The emergency number for UIC Police is 5-5555 or 312-355-5555, which should be set on speed-dial on your cell phone.
-Report crime promptly to police.

The UICPD/CPD Joint Robbery Task Force will conduct the follow-up investigation. The offender is described as a black male, 37-42 years old, 6-1 in height and 190 pounds, with black hair, a dark complexion, and wearing a white jacket trimmed with black fur. Anyone with information is asked to call UIC Police at 312-996-2830."

 

[Noah]

I would (almost) never hit someone who had a gun drawn. I completely agree with the police there, let them take a wallet rather than a shot... The criminal's actions make me think he had low motivation, as he didn't approach with the gun drawn, pointed it in a very nonlethal area, and then ran after being hit. I'll say the victim is really lucky that he wasn't shot.

 

[redraidermgr]

I would say he is lucky. Around the campus I work at there was a Guy that was in his car leaving a parking lot when three guys jumped him. He refused and tried to drive off and he was shot several times by multiple assailants. He was lucky there was a hospital a block away or he would have died.

Is your wallet worth a call to your wife or your parents saying you will never make it home again? If it was a campus where you could carry and he were directly threatening you and wanted more than a few dollars it would be a different story. Comply until he leaves you no option (unless you have trained in unarmed combat to disarm an armed assailant).

 

[Safetychain]

I admit that having never been in such a situation I'm not sure what the proper proceedure should be. But, in trying to armchair this type of situation, it seems that there is no blanket correct response. Each situation is unique and the response would be unique. I would feel that my decision would depend on such things as was there a gun involved, knife, screwdriver; did the BG appear to be proficient with the weapon, how close was the weapon hand, his/her size/age compared to mine, etc. The stated position of the police simply emboldens the BG to make another attack (Hey, that was an easy $12, I can do that again with no problem. All it cost me is one little bullet and a good run to a darker place to hide out for a while) and keep on until he is either caught by the police or is lethally stopped by one of his victims. If the police do catch him, he likely only has 20-30 past similar offences and will be back out on the street again after a few good meals at taxpayer expense anyway. It may not be any more safer to comply as to fight back especially if the BG is unmasked and may want to protect his identity by eliminating his witnesses. I feel that the police's typical response to 'give in' has increased the incidence of the crime rate. To me, the principle of just not agreeing to be a victim would have a part in making my decision as to comply or fight back.

 

[TexasRifleman]

***UIC Police strongly recommend complying with an armed offender whose intent appears to be property or valuables.***

The worrisome thing about this is how do you know for sure what the criminals intentions are? How do you know he's not about to eliminate his witness?

. But, in trying to armchair this type of situation, it seems that there is no blanket correct response. Each situation is unique and the response would be unique.

I'd have to agree with that. A blanket statement to "always cooperate" seems like a good way for the police to keep themselves out of publicity trouble, but not a good way to keep people truly safe.

 

[Sky]

Bottom line they did what they thought was correct at the time and the outcome was as desired. Next time maybe not as lucky but this time their action was what was needed. Not all thieves are blood thirsty vampires and just want a quick dollar with no hassle; seems to be the case in this situation....but one never knows.

The worrisome thing about this is how do you know for sure what the criminals intentions are? How do you know he's not about to eliminate his witness?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Safetychain
. But, in trying to armchair this type of situation, it seems that there is no blanket correct response. Each situation is unique and the response would be unique.

I'd have to agree with that. A blanket statement to "always cooperate" seems like a good way for the police to keep themselves out of publicity trouble, but not a good way to keep people truly safe.
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