Columbia University

Department of Public Safety

 

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY ALERT

173rd Street Between Haven and Fort Washington Ave.

 

           

            On September 12, 2007, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Columbia University student reports that while walking to meet a friend and using her cell phone, on 173rd Street between Fort Washington and Haven Avenues, she was approached by (2) male youths and (2) female youths who attempted to steal her cell phone.  One male ran in front of her to distract her, and the second male came up behind the victim and put her in a chokehold. The male holding her ordered one of the females to bite the victim’s hand so she could release the phone. The victim fought and 3 of the suspects fled North on Haven and (1) east back towards the Park.

 

The victim and a witness describe the suspects as following:

 

Suspect 1 – Male Hispanic, 16 to 19 years old, Medium to Dark Complexion, short afro, 5’8” to 5’11”, thin to medium build, dark clothing.

 

Suspect 2 – Male Hispanic, 16 to 19 years old, Medium to Dark Complexion, 5’8” to 5’11”, thin to medium build, wearing a gray hoody.   

 

Suspect 3 – Female Hispanic, 16 to 18 years old, Medium to Dark Complexion, hair pulled back, 5’6” to 5’8”, thin build, wearing a black sweater with white writing on it.

 

Suspect 4 – Female Hispanic, 14 to 16 years old, Light to Medium Complexion, hair pulled back, 5’ to 5’2” tall, wearing a pink sweater.   

 

If anyone has additional information about this incident, please contact the undersigned. Remember when traveling on foot, please be cognizant of your surroundings and use our Public Safety Escort Service by calling 212-305-8100 and in case of an emergency to report an incident please call 212-305-7979 and or 911.

 

 

James Verdicchio, Senior Investigator

Department of Public Safety

212-305-0175

September 13, 2007

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