An armed robbery occurred around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Pettigrew Street near the Center for Documentary Studies, according to a Tuesday evening DukeAlert sent to all students, faculty and staff.
Three male suspects reportedly stole a victim’s phone, car keys and car, then fled the scene and headed toward Swift Avenue. The 9:23 p.m. alert also noted that all three suspects were masked, one suspect possessed a handgun and another wore a red hooded sweatshirt. No injuries were reported.
Durham Police Department and Duke University Police Department are actively investigating the incident, which was reported by “an affiliate of Duke.”
The University did not reply to The Chronicle’s request for comment on the incident or recent developments in time for publication.
The DukeAlert requested that any community members with additional information about the incident contact DUPD at 919-684-2444.
The Center for Documentary Studies is located at 1317 W Pettigrew St. The building is adjacent to East Campus, though it is separated by railroad tracks and W Main Street.
The alert shared a list of safety tips, encouraging community members to walk in groups and utilize Duke Van Services when riding at night.
“If a person confronts you and demands money or possessions, law enforcement officials suggest giving what is demanded and creating a safe distance,” the alert read.
The alert also advised community members on actions to take if being followed by an unknown person.
“Go to the nearest populated, well-lit location and call 911. If you are walking, cross the street away from the person and go somewhere else such as a convenience store,” the alert read. “If you are driving, you can go to the Duke Hospital emergency room or Duke Police headquarters at 502 Oregon St.”
The last time the University notified the community of a crime-related incident near campus was in a September email from Student Affairs, when a student was physically attacked in the Brightleaf area of Durham.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
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Michael Austin is a Trinity junior and managing editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.