The Mississippi State University Police Department is working to identify the suspect of a strong-arm robbery on campus early Tuesday morning.
The assault occurred in the lower level parking lot of McKee Residence Hall at approximately 12:30 a.m. In a university press release, Dean of Students Mike White said a McKee resident was exiting her vehicle when the suspect approached her and demanded her car keys. When the resident refused, he grabbed her purse and a struggle ensued. The suspect fled with purse in hand into the woods bordering the eastern edge of the parking lot.
Immediately following the incident, the student contacted residence hall administrators who called the police. The student suffered abrasions, but no serious injuries. She was treated and released from Oktibbeha County Hospital, according to the press release.
The suspect is described as a thin black, 150-pound male standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. He wore black, baggy clothing and black head netting.
MSU Chief of Police Tom Johnson said the department is trying to identify possible witnesses by using residence hall surveillance videos and has given the area a heightened alert status.
“We are being diligent in our efforts to identify and arrest the suspect and to enhance the students’ feelings of safety in that area,” Johnson said.
Johnson said while incidents like this do happen on occasion, they are rare and the university works continually to improve its defenses against them.
The university has added street lights and fencing to problem areas in the last decade to improve student safety, but the university and police department are continually analyzing how to deal better with and prepare for situations such as Tuesday’s incident, Johnson said. “Safety is an ongoing process here at the university,” he added. “It’s part of our commitment to the safety of the students.”
The police department offers an escort service to vehicles or across campus at night. To get an escort, call the police department at 325-2121.
The MSU Police Department also suggests:
*Park in lighted areas
*Always lock your vehicle
*Travel with other people, especially at night
*Carry small loads at a time in order to keep your arms free for movement
*Look around and under your vehicle when you approach your vehicle
*Check the front and back seats before entering your vehicle, and lock the door immediately after entering.
For additional safety tips, visit the police departments Web site at www.msstate.edu/dept/police/safetytips/index.php.