Tuesday evening, two University of Chicago students became victims of a knifepoint robbery, as covered by NBC Chicago.
The students were walking on campus at 1314 E. 58th Street when a gray Kia Sportage, bearing the license plate number DY19993, drove up next to them. Two unknown occupants exited the vehicle, one brandishing a knife, and ordered the students to relinquish their wallets and cellphones. Fearing for their lives, the students complied, and the attackers fled the scene. The incident was also reported by WGN-TV.
The students were not physically harmed and the University of Chicago Police Department is investigating the incident, as the assailants remain at large. A worrying pattern is observed as this case, along with several recent robberies in the Hyde Park area, appears linked to the same gray Kia Sportage.
Campus Security and Chicago Police are striking a balance between vigilance and preserving a sense of security on campus. In response to growing concerns, the university published an alert urging students to remain vigilant and avoid using electronic devices while walking, as they can be distractions from danger. The alert also promoted walking together in groups or pairs as a deterrent to potential threats.
