A woman was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of LL Sams Historic Lofts on Thursday morning.
Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said the incident took place at 12:25 a.m. in the Lofts parking lot located at 2000 S. First St. Swanton said a man approached a woman from behind and then pointed a gun at her. He said something she could not understand and the woman threw her purse to the ground and ran. She ran to the apartment entrance and when she looked back, the man was picking up her purse. The gunman fled the scene with her purse, headed north on First Street.
LL Sams management declined to comment about the incident.
An email alert went out to all Baylor students in accordance with the Clery Act even though Police department said there was never any imminent danger to campus.
“All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to be alert and cautious of their surroundings on and away from campus,” the alert stated. “In any emergency situation, or if you see suspicious activity, immediately call the Baylor Police Department at 254-710-2222 or 911.”
Both Baylor and Waco police responded to the scene. Baylor police helped secure and search the area.
“The Clery Act requires that universities issue a timely warning when a crime has occurred on or near campus that may pose a serious or ongoing threat to the campus,” Lori Fogleman, assistant vice president for media communications, said. “These notices raise awareness, and they also serve as an important reminder to faculty, staff and students about safety, crime prevention and how to report a crime.”
The complainant described the man as a black male of an unknown age with a thin frame who was five feet eight inches tall and about 150 pounds. The complainant said the male was wearing some type of hat with a bandana over his mouth, a plaid long -sleeve shirt and black pants.
Swanton said according to the police report, the woman was shaken but not injured and no arrest has been made at this time.
“I think it’s one of those things you hear about but you never think it will happen to you,” Brownwood senior and LL Sams Historic Lofts resident Ashton Steele said. “But I myself go out late and live alone and knowing this has happened makes me more nervous.”
Steele said she will not take any extra serious precautions but she will be more cautious about when she goes out and will be more aware of her surroundings now. She said she has pepper spray, so that makes her feel a little less nervous about the incident.
