A University staff member thwarted a robber’s attempt to steal her shoulder bag when she struggled and escaped near Johnson Hall on Friday, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Around 7 a.m., the woman, whose name the Emerald could not obtain, was walking to work when a man approached her and grabbed her shoulder bag. He said he carried a weapon, but did not describe it or show it to the woman, according to a DPS press release.
The woman freed her bag and quickly walked away. She reported the incident to DPS at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday.
DPS and the Eugene Police Department are investigating.
They are also increasing patrols in the area.
The man is described as a white male in his late 30s to 40s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and 165 pounds. He has brown hair, a mustache and brown eyes. He was seen wearing a charcoal gray fleece jacket and torn blue jeans.
At the time of the incident, the woman was on her cell phone and may not have been aware of her surroundings, DPS Interim Director Tom Hicks said.
“We feel we have a safe campus, but incidents like this will happen,” he said.
Hicks encourages people on campus to be alert and aware of their surroundings.
People walking on campus should also avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night.
All students, faculty and staff who witness suspicious behavior or are approached in a threatening manner should contact DPS or the Eugene Police Department immediately, according to the release.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact DPS at 346-5444 or Eugene Police Department at 346-2904.
– Katy Gagnon