The New Brunswick Police Department (NBPD) is investigating three separate robberies reported to have occurred in the city of New Brunswick that affected Rutgers University affiliates.
According to a statement released by Rutgers Police Chief Kenneth Cop, the first incident occurred on Thursday, March 3, at approximately 1:04 a.m. on Hartwell Street in the area of Hamilton Street.
Chief Cop said in this incident, the victims, who are affiliated with Rutgers University, reported that they were approached by four male perpetrators who brandished a single handgun and removed items of value.
The male parties subsequently entered a silver SUV and fled the area. The victims did not sustain any injuries during the reported incident.
The description of the perpetrators is limited at this time, Chief Cop said.
The second incident occurred at approximately 1:21 a.m. on Delafield Street in the area of Courtland Street.
According to Chief Cop, in this incident, the victim, affiliated with Rutgers University, reported that he was approached by three male perpetrators who brandished a handgun, delivered a single closed fist strike to his face, and unsuccessfully attempted to remove an item of value.
Subsequently, the male parties entered an older model dark gray minivan and fled the area. The victim sustained a minor injury and refused further medical attention on the scene.
Chief Cop said the description of the perpetrators is limited at this time.
The third incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 1:29 a.m. on Prospect Street in the area of Somerset Street.
In this incident, the victim, who is not affiliated with Rutgers University, reported that he was approached by two male perpetrators who brandished a knife and removed several items of value.
The male parties subsequently fled the area on foot. Chief Cop said the victim did not sustain any injury during the reported incident.
The description of the perpetrators is limited at this time.
The New Brunswick Police Department asks that anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time, contact the NBPD's Detective Bureau at 732-745-5217. Police patrols have been increased in the area.
The Rutgers University Police Department reminds you to take reasonable safety precautions, including:
- Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you
- Report suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately
- Avoid isolated or dark areas
- Walk in groups when traveling during late-night hours
The Rutgers University Police Department provides escorts to students, faculty and staff upon request.
The escorts provide our community with personalized service to their vehicles, campus residence, or the University's mass transit system.
In order to request a security escort, contact the police communications center at 732-932-7211.
There were about a half-dozen unconfirmed robberies reported away from Rutgers campus that affected non-English speaking New Brunswick residents.