Community Crime Bulletin: Attempted Robbery (664PC/211PC 17–263)

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking community assistance in identifying a suspect who attempted to take a cell phone and keys from a student walking on Coolidge Drive, near the 20 mph curve.

The student said that at approximately 12:50 a.m. Saturday, while walking on Coolidge Drive after leaving the Pogonip, he saw a vehicle stop in the road. The suspect driver got out of the vehicle, approached the student and asked if he needed a ride. The suspect demanded the student give up his cell phone and keys for the ride, which the student declined. The suspect then grabbed the student by the jacket. The student fought off the suspect and fled the area.

The victim could not provide a description of the suspect vehicle and could only provide that the suspect was about 5-feet, 11-inches tall.

The investigation is ongoing. Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be provided.

Timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department. Anyone who may be a witness to this crime or has any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831–459–2231, ext.1.

Safety Tips
Victims are not responsible for being victimized, regardless of any action or inaction on their part. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.

  • Victims of crime and witnesses should report all crimes, suspicious people, dangerous activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department, when it is safe to do so by calling 911.
  • Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
  • Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
  • Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
  • Use the Night Safety Escort Program, Monday through Thursday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling 831–459–2231 ext. 1. More information can be found online.

Campus Resources
UC Santa Cruz is a community committed to being inclusive and welcoming of all people. We strive to provide a safe place for everyone to work and learn.

For students, a range of support services is also available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services and support through a Confidential Victim Advocate.

For student and employees, the Office of Harassment and Discrimination, Prevention and Investigation Unit can provide assistance and can be reached at 831–459–2462.

For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support. More information can be found online.

Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911 from any landline or cell phone. Reports may also be made by utilizing one of the several “blue light,” emergency or elevator phones located throughout the campus.

This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act” (“Clery Act”), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).