Stay In Place – Armed Robbery at the South Hall Lot

Alert Type: Emergency

Start Time: Mar 19, 2022 @ 12:55am

End Time: Mar 19, 2022 @ 2:02am

Police have informed us that an armed robbery occurred in the South Hall parking lot. The suspect is believed to be the same suspect from the previous incidents tonight (03/18/22) at 128th & Park that caused the previous Stay in Place, and the off-campus police response that resulted in the Community Alert. The suspect robbed a student at gunpoint before fleeing the area. Police are patrolling the area as much as possible.

 

 

Updates

  • Mar 19, 2022 @ 2:02am - Stay in Place Lifted
    We have no evidence that the suspect is still in the area at this time, however, the police were unable to locate the suspect, and we advise that PLU community members move indoors for the night.
  • Mar 19, 2022 @ 9:00am - Follow Up Summary
    While on routine patrol near South Hall at approximately 12:45am , Campus Safety observed an individual sprinting away from campus towards Pacific Avenue. At the same time, Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) dispatch notified PLU Campus Safety dispatch that a student had called reporting an armed robbery. Upon learning this information, Campus Safety officers were able to locate the student, facilitate contact with the student and responding deputies, and implement a Stay in Place security level. The security level remained in place for over an hour while deputies searched the surrounding streets. PCSD deputies were unable to locate the individual, and it was believed that he was no longer in the area. There was a heavy police response during this period of time.

    The suspect in this incident was believed to be the same individual from an incident earlier in the evening that resulted in a security level activation. This robbery appears to be random and there is no evidence to suggest that there is an ongoing threat to the campus community. Keeping that in mind, please continue to practice awareness of your surroundings and good personal safety habits. Campus Safety is available 24/7 and offers safety services like walking escorts, in addition to our response efforts and proactive patrols. Please contact Campus Safety immediately at 253-535-7911 to report suspicious activity or other in progress emergencies. Contact us at 253-535-7441 to request walking escorts and safety services.

    PLU campus partners are actively working to offer support and additional resources to the impacted student in this incident.