Pitt issues crime alert

Pitt police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred on campus May 19, on the steps of… Pitt police are investigating an armed robbery which occurred on campus May 19, on the steps of the Petersen Events Center.

Police posted a crime alert around campus and on the Pitt police website, which said the robbery took place at 11:17 p.m. The two victims, one of which was a Pitt student, were walking up the stairs along the lawn level of the Petersen Events Center when they noticed a group of youths, high school age or younger, standing behind one of the walls.

After letting the victims pass by, one of the youths began to follow them. He then pulled out a hand gun and told one victim to “drop her purse,” and the victim obliged. The other victims handed over a wallet and cell phone.

The suspect then asked the first victim where her cell phone was, and she replied it was in her purse. The suspect then emptied the contents of the purse on the ground.

After the incident the group of youths descended the steps toward DeSoto Street. No one was injured during the incident.

One of the suspects is described as a 5-foot-11 black male, 18 years of age or younger, wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue pants. He has high cheek bones, thick lips and dark skin and might have short hair.

The Pitt police are still investigating the incident. Police encouraged anyone with information regarding the incident to call the Pitt police at 412-624-2121.