Two late night robberies trigger warnings to campus

KALAMAZOO—Two robberies late Dec. 6 caused Western Michigan University officials to trigger emergency warnings to safeguard the campus.

One student reported an armed robbery just after 10 p.m. near Bigelow Hall. A second student reported a similar incident moments later near the Parking Services facility on the west edge of campus. The students reported being robbed by single individuals with similar but slightly different descriptions.

With two suspects at large, WMU Public Safety officials triggered the University’s reverse 911 system and a warning message was placed on the University website.  The messages asked students, faculty and staff to use caution and described the suspects as young black males, both about 6 feet 3 inches tall—one in a red shirt with a black vest and jeans, the other wearing a dark hoodie, a black winter-type vest and sweats.  Police and K-9 units searched both areas.

Shortly after the WMU incidents, the Kalamazoo County Sherriff’s Office responded to a third robbery report at a 7-Eleven store located west of the campus at Drake Road and KL Avenue. WMU police indicate all three incidents are likely connected.

WMU Public Safety officers urge members of the campus community to always exercise caution and not walk alone after dark. A campus escort service has been in place for many years, and those on campus can call 387-RIDE (7433) at any time for an escort on campus. That service is available overnight until 6 a.m. In addition, the campus police are available at  (269) 387-5555.