Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Students are urged to use caution and take safeguards for personal safety after an early-morning, off-campus robbery Sunday on University Drive.
A 21-year-old female student walking alone near Stromboli's at approximately 2:30 a.m. was robbed at gunpoint by an assailant described as a black male. Her purse and all identification were stolen, but she was unharmed.
This marks the second incident within a week in the University Drive area, although the first did not involve a student.
"We cannot overemphasize the need to be vigilant in taking every precaution for safety," said Thomas Bourgeois, MSU Dean of Students. "It is never a good idea to walk or jog alone, especially during hours when it is dark and deserted," he said.
"We remind students that the MSU Police provides a 'Bully Patrol' to escort students after dark to any location on campus. For those off campus, we urge that you have a 'buddy' drive you safely to your destination if you must be out late."
The MSU Police Department is assisting with the investigation and urges anyone with information to call 662-325-2121 or Starkville Police Department at 662-323-4131.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu/.