NC State chief doesn't see trend in recent crimes on, near campus
The chief of police for North Carolina State University said an attempted carjacking in the wee hours of Sunday morning doesn't fall into a pattern of armed robberies on the campus. Instead, Chief Daniel House said, it's a warning for students and others to always be aware of their surroundings.
Posted — Updated"It doesn't appear to be a trend, but could have very well been," said House. "Could it very well be the same people that are involved? It could be, we just don't know yet."
In response to the crime, university officials sent out a list of tips to keep students safe – including never walking alone, or avoiding distractions like earbuds and phones when walking at night.
Police told students on Saturday that if they ever feel unsafe walking alone to contact Safety Escort Services at (919) 515-3000.
"Even when you are with other people, that doesn't mean it's a hundred percent safe. So be aware your environment," said House.
Attempted carjacking, gun shots rattle some students
The attempted carjacking follows a string of armed robberies on Nov. 8, when there were four armed robberies near campus, and one on campus.
One of the armed robberies took place near the McKimmon Center, where a student reported that three men drove up next to her alongside the road and stopped. They pulled a gun on her, and she ran away, police said.
University police said the gunman fled from the scene, and no arrests have been made in those crimes.
Students say they worry about violent crime on or near campus.
Jhenna Chapman, a student who lives in the Avent Ferry Complex, was a little shaken up after hearing about the armed attempted carjacking.
"Honestly, I was very shocked and kind of on edge about it because this is happening in my parking lot," she said.
"I think I will be more wary of making decisions in the future," said Austin Carter, who said he's becoming desensitized to the reports of crime on campus.
"I guess since it's the end of the semester and the lack of people being around," said John Fagan. "I just try to be alert when I'm walking around and get it gets darker."
A group of North Carolina State University students were driving in a car around 3 a.m. Sunday when a man pointed a handgun at them and tried to steal the vehicle.
"They were approached by a male subject with a gun who commanded them to get out of the car," House said. "They refused and actually stepped on the gas and drove away. And as they drove away, the suspect shot at the vehicle."
No one was injured and nothing was stolen during this incident, officials said.
Most students who live at the Avent Ferry Complex were sleeping when the attempted carjacking took place.
House said although no one was injured, three of four shots did hit the car.
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