Community Crime Bulletin–Strong Arm Robbery

To: UCSC Community

From: Nader Oweis, UC Santa Cruz Chief of Police

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for assistance from witnesses and the community in identifying a suspect involved in a mid-afternoon strong-arm robbery of a UC Santa Cruz student.

On Monday, May 30, at 2 p.m, the victim told UC Santa Cruz Police officers that an unknown suspect took the victim's cell phone and study papers from the College Nine/Ten Dining Room.  When the victim gave chase, the suspect took a fighting stance and threatened to harm the victim. The suspect then fled on foot towards College Nine Road.

No weapons were used, and the suspect is still outstanding.

The suspect is described as a white male, 19-20 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet tall, weighing between 165 and 180 pounds.  The suspect had a slender build, was clean shaven with blond or light brown, short-cut hair, and was wearing a light-colored, short-sleeved T-shirt.  

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


No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.
    •    If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911. 

    •    Victims of crime and witnesses should report all crimes, suspicious people, 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. More information can be found online.

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).