Attempted armed robbery reported

On March 18 at approximately 1:15 a.m., a male undergraduate student reported to the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) that he was the victim of an attempted armed robbery while walking on John F. Kennedy Street. As the student approached the intersection at Memorial Drive, he observed an unidentified male smoking a cigarette and gesturing with his hands. As the student got closer, the unidentified male demanded the student’s wallet while holding a knife. The victim indicated to the suspect that he was going to comply with his demands. The victim then resisted and threw his backpack at the suspect. As the suspect fell to the ground, the victim disarmed him. The suspect then fled across the Larz Anderson Bridge into Allston.

A search by HUPD officers and the Massachusetts State Police failed to locate the offender. The victim was not injured and did not require medical attention; the victim was unable to provide a detailed description of the suspect.

Because this incident did not occur on University property, it is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact the state police at (617) 727-4812.

HUPD reminds members of the community to be vigilant while walking throughout campus and surrounding areas during both the day and night, and to take appropriate precautions, such as walking with others and utilizing the shuttle bus and evening van service. Safety escort and transportation information can be found at http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/prevention_escorts.php.