Students assaulted in separate, similar incidents

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Three MSU students were victims of separate but similar attacks this weekend in East Lansing.

The three reports of strong armed robbery had several similarities. They occurred between 7:30 p.m. and 3 a.m., there were multiple attackers, and all victims were traveling alone, East Lansing police Capt. Tom Johnstone said.

A strong armed robbery is when force is used on a victim being robbed, but there is no weapon or threat of a weapon.

Although there were no assaults during Fall Welcome, the three reports of strong armed robbery during the past weekend showed students need to take caution when walking around campus, he said.
“Most of the reports I read, they start it the same way — ‘I was walking alone down the street’,” Johnstone said. “People living here a few years feel very safe, but (East Lansing) is not totally crime free. Students feel everyone here is an MSU student.”

It was just past midnight Sunday when one MSU student near Orchard Street and Grand River Avenue realized he was walking with one man in front of him and one man behind him. Before he could do anything, he was knocked down with a punch. Four men attacked him taking his wallet and cell phone.

The student could not be identified as he is the subject of an ongoing East Lansing Police Department investigation.

A similarity between the of the victims of the robberies last weekend was their gender — all three were male, Johnstone said.

He said a person walking alone is at risk no matter what their gender. The incidents happen suddenly and are through quickly.

“It’s a very short window,” Johnstone said. “I’d say it’s less than 30 seconds.”

Johnstone said certain MSU events, such as Fall Welcome, football games and basketball attract people to the East Lansing area who prey on students.

“MSU becomes a destination at certain parts of the year,” Johnstone said. “Be aware of your surroundings, don’t walk alone, especially if you’ve been drinking because you’re less aware of your surroundings.”

Johnstone said taxi services are another option for those unable to find someone to walk with.

For crossing campus alone after dark services such as the Capital Area Transportation Authority Night Owl, which will drive students anywhere on campus.

State Walk, a program through the Main Library, pairs student with volunteers to walk them to their locations on campus.

MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said although MSU generally is a safe campus, student still should use precaution.

“We tend to inform student it’s best and safest to walk in a group,” McGlothian-Taylor said.

Interdisciplinary studies senior Jim Mora said he feels secure walking throughout campus late at night.

“I feel, as a male, I don’t need to be worried too much,” Mora said. “No one is going to harm me in any way. I’ve never heard of any guys being mugged.”

Kinesology freshman Bridget Meyer does not share Mora’s security.

“I have (walked through campus alone),” Meyer said. “It’s scary. I probably should have something.”

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