CMU police warn of armed robberies in Squirrel Hill

Three armed robberies have occurred in Squirrel Hill this week, according to the Carnegie… Three armed robberies have occurred in Squirrel Hill this week, according to the Carnegie Mellon campus police department yesterday afternoon.

The first robbery took place in the 2100 block of Shady Avenue at 11:45 p.m. on March 1, the second in the 3200 block of Beechwood Boulevard at 1:30 a.m. on March 2 and the third in the 6400 block of Monitor Street at 3:30 a.m. on March 2, according to an e-mail sent from the police to all CMU students.

The suspect stole the victims’ wallets and demanded their ATM PIN numbers and “displayed what has been described as a dark-colored handgun during the incidents,” CMU Police Chief Tom Ogden said in the e-mail. He said one of the victims was a CMU grad student.

Ogden suggested CMU students use the university shuttle service and stay alert to their surroundings. They should avoid carrying large sums of money and multiple debit or credit cards, as well as other valuables.

“If the suspect is after your valuables, do not resist or confront them,” Ogden said. “Try to avoid a violent confrontation and/or possible injury.”

CMU police said it’s normal for the department to send safety alert e-mails to students.

The suspect is described as a 6-foot tall black man of about 160-190 lbs. with short hair and a goatee, according to the e-mail. He was wearing a baseball cap, a jacket and dark pants.