GA State Police: Students Robbed At Gunpoint Thursday Night

ATLANTA, GA — Following two separate, but potentially related, armed robberies Thursday night on the Georgia State University Atlanta Campus, school police are warning students to be aware and cautious.

Campus police posted online to, "use caution while on mobile devices or when utilizing music players. Unless you know the individual please do not allow them to use your mobile phone especially when they ask while in a vehicle."

This warning comes after the department said two instances of armed robbery happened on campus Thursday night. The first occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Collins and Decatur Street when a student said they had been robbed at gunpoint by two unknown suspects they described as black males wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks. The suspects took the victim's book bag and did not injure him, police said.

The second attempted robbery was at 12:30 a.m. from two women who said an unknown black male wearing a black hat and driving a black car attempted to rob them. "He snatched one of the victim's hair and discharged a firearm at them as they ran away," police said. The car was described as a black, 2000 model Chevrolet 4-door sedan.

Chief of Police Joseph Spillane sent a memo that said his department takes the crimes seriously, and are "vigorously investigating the recent armed robberies."

"With these recent reports, the police department wants you to know we're taking steps to ensure the continued safety of the university community," Spillane said. "These steps include our partnership with the Atlanta Police Department, additional marked police patrols, real-time monitoring of cameras at key locations, the deployment of the bicycle patrol and motorcycle units and an increase in overtime funding to deploy more officers."

Police ask anyone with information about the incidents, to contact the Georgia State University Police at 404-413-3333. Tips may also be made through the GSU LiveSafe App and the Campus Crime Stoppers Program 404-577-TIPS

Campus police said students may request a safety escort on campus by calling the GSU Police at 404-413-2100. A police officer or a security guard will drive or walk students to their destination.