DePaul Students Robbed at Gunpoint on Lincoln Park Campus

Two DePaul University students were robbed at gunpoint early Monday on the school’s Lincoln Park campus, according to a safety alert sent out by the school. 

The alert states three robbers held up two students at gunpoint 

A 21-year-old man was on the southwest corner of Belden and Bissell about 12:20 a.m. when he was approached by three people who pulled out a handgun and demanded his belongings, according to Chicago Police and a safety alert posted on DePaul’s website. Information on the second victim wasn't immediately known. 

One of the robbers, a juvenile female, was taken into custody after a witness saw her and flagged down a DePaul security guard, police said. Two other males believed to have been involved in the robbery escaped and remained at large Mlonday night. 

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call police or DePaul Public Safety.

“Public Safety would like to remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings and use the escort service while on Lincoln Park campus,” according to the alert.

Students say they've received five such emails, warning them about a nearby robbery or rape in the past week.

Incidents of battery, armed robbery and aggravated assault have been reported through the school's safety alerts. 

"It's absolutely terrifying to have to call your mom and say, 'Hey, this is the fifth report in eight days, but don't worry I'll be OK,'" said student Ginny McElwain. "It just makes me feel unsafe, especially since I walk to work."

Police are warning of a string of robberies on the city's North Side, including the Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. 

One resident said they witnessed a robbery last week in the 1300 block of West Henderson.

"I heard the victim asking for his keys back," said witness Jamie Witowski. "He said, 'Can I at least have my keys?' And the robber responded with, 'Stay away, sir. Stay away.'"

Another robbery was reported Saturday afternoon when a man forcefully took a 79-year-old woman's purse as she waited for a bus at Lake Shore Drive and Addison. 

It was not clear if any of the incidents are related. 

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