COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Ohio State University has issued a public safety notice after an alleged armed robbery occurred on campus early Wednesday morning.
Ohio State police said that at 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, an OSU student was walking near a residence hall in the 230 block of West 10th Avenue. The male student was reportedly approached by a light-colored four-door sedan with four individuals inside.
OSUPD said two of the individuals got out of the vehicle, approached the student, and demanded his items at gunpoint. The student handed over his computer and cell phone.
The victim said the suspects fled the scene eastbound, away from campus. No one was injured in the incident.
Campus police said the suspects are believed to be in their teens or early 20s and the vehicle may have been a stolen gray, silver, or white sedan. The Ohio State University Police Division is asking that anyone with information related to this crime should call 614-292-2121.
When asked if he felt safe, one student responded, “it’s just another day in the neighborhood.”
“We’re students, we study late at night, we’re walking the streets cause a lot of us live close by. I’m glad that the person walked out of there without harm,” Chuka Okoro, a second-year medical student, said.
“Definitely makes you feel unsafe,” Kenny Kalikasingh, an Ohio State student, said. “There’s a lot of these things happening.”
If students do have to walk around late at night, they do their best to stay vigilant.
“I feel like I pay more attention during the school year when I’m actually on campus,” Veronika Danchine, a second-year medical student, said.
“I just kind of knew at any point in time whether it be broad daylight or late at night that something could happen, so I try to walk with someone. Or if I am walking alone, I let somebody know I’m leaving campus and I text them when I get home,” second-year medical student Chioma Aneke said.
Regardless, safety is a top priority and OSU PD is continuously looking at ways to improve.
“So, we’re constantly working with our partners, Columbus Police. Coming up with different strategies, we look at that a lot. You know, where things are occurring, and we try to put our resources in those areas where we feel like there’s an issue,” Ohio State University Police Deputy Chief Dennis Jeffrey.
But if you do have to be out late at night, it’s recommended you walk in a group.
“Don’t be preoccupied with your phone, really. Just have situational awareness,” Jeffrey said.
Jeffrey added that Lyft is another resource for students that are out late at night. He says there is a discounted rate for students.
There are also security cameras near where today’s alleged armed robbery took place and police are going through that footage.