Updated Oct. 18 12:25 a.m.
UNRPD’s Chief of Police, Eric James, contacted the Sagebrush the morning of Oct. 17.
“We are working with Reno Police to solve this crime, and it is an ongoing investigation. Since that is the case, we cannot divulge any specifics at this time,” Chief James wrote via email.
Chief James also told the Sagebrush about the circumstances of the incident.
“The robbery suspect, in this case, came from across the street when he observed the victims standing on the sidewalk during the late night hours,” Chief James wrote. “This appears to have been a crime of opportunity and not a targeted event meant to victimize our students or our University.”
UNRPD suggests that students continue to be aware of their surroundings because crimes like this are infrequent, but the university is not completely immune to potential occurrences like these.
Updated 5:50 p.m.
UNR’s Housing Department’s Associate Director for Residence Life, Toby Toland, emailed the residential staff with the same message at 8:46 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.
Original Story
Two students were approached by an individual with a gun, outside of the University of Nevada, Reno’s residential halls, Manzanita and Juniper Halls. The robbery occurred at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The people involved in the incident were not physically harmed or injured.
On Friday, Oct. 14 at 11:26 a.m., the UNR’s Housing Services sent out an email about the robbery. The department explains that they became aware of the robbery on Thursday, Oct. 13 and that UNR’s Police Services is working with the Reno Police Department in regards to the crime.
The police departments suggest students remain attentive of their surrounds and in case of an emergency, they recommend contacting 9-1-1 or utilizing a “Blue Light” station on campus as soon as possible.
“As a department, the safety of our students is our top priority,” UNR housing wrote in the email. “Should you have any questions or concerns regarding safety and/or security please reach out to the hall staff in your respective building.”
The Nevada Sagebrush is currently waiting on comment from the university and UNRPD in regards to the incident.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Jaedyn Young can be reached at jaedynyoung@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.
