SUSPECT: Black male - due to the nature of the contact, no additional details on the description of the suspect or the driver is available.

WEAPON: Shiny pistol, likely chrome.

VEHICLE: Small dark car, no other information available.

SYNOPSIS: At approximately 10:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, three students were walking northbound on the sidewalk on the eastside of Calhoun, adjacent to the Optometry Building. A vehicle pulled up and the passenger shouted, "Give me your sh_ _t". Two of the students kept walking, but the third one turned back to look in the direction of the car, thinking the passenger was asking for directions. The passenger then displayed a pistol.  The complainant turned to see where his friends were and when he turned back the car had driven off north on Calhoun. No items were taken, and no one was injured. An update to this alert will be posted if additional information is obtained through the investigation.

The University of Houston Department of Public Safety wants you to be aware of the occurrence of this incident to be cautious and on the lookout for these suspects. If you saw this incident or have any information regarding the incident, please call the campus police at 713-743-3333.

SAFETY TIPS:

Confrontations can occur without provocation, through no fault of your own.  When such confrontations do occur, there are some actions you can take:

• BE ALERT!!
• Be cautious when approached by an unknown person on the street, even the nicest person can have ill intent.
• Remain as calm as possible.Your own initiative and clear thinking are your best defenses.
• The University has more than 70 Emergency call boxes placed strategically around campus, use them! The call goes directly to the UHDPS Dispatch Center.
• Report the incident. Call the police immediately and report what has happened. Call (713) 743-3333 or 911.
• Do not walk alone, if at all possible walk in groups.
• Try to notice details. This can allow you to provide the police with detailed physical and clothing descriptions of the person(s) involved.
• If a vehicle is involved, try to note the vehicle's license plate number or the vehicle's manufacturer, model and color or any other identifying features.

Updates to this alert and past alerts will be posted at https://www.piersystem.com/go/doctype/1093/21522/.

You may contact the University of Houston Department of Public Safety at police@uh.edu  

All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to be alert and to be cautious of their surroundings on and away from campus.

In any emergency situation, or if you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1. For more information on staying safe and your role in preventing crime, please visit the website of the University of Houston Department of Public Safety at www.uh.edu/police.

printer friendly