Police investigate string of attempted armed robberies, some near NC State

Raleigh police were investigating a string of armed robberies, many which occurred near North Carolina State University on Monday night.

At least five robberies or attempted robberies occurred between 5:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., authorities said. No one was seriously injured.

Police said they were not sure if the events were related but said most had things in common, including the description of the robber.

Only the first crime, which occurred at 913 Southgate Drive, near Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, doesn't appear to be related.

The other events occurred near the McKimmon Center (off of Gorman Street), along Oak Run Drive (off of Buck Jones Road close to Western Boulevard), at a mobile home park at Schenley Drive (off Garner Road) and along New Hope Church Road, near Green Road.

An N.C. State WolfAlert was sent out around 7 p.m. following the attempted armed robbery west of the McKimmon Center, where N.C. State police said a student reported three men in a black Honda Civic pulled up next her, drove slowly alongside her and then stopped.

One man got out of the car and walked toward the student with a gun, and she ran away, according to police.

The man then got back in the car, and the three men drove west on Sherman Avenue, police said.

No one was injured in the incident, and no items were stolen.

The Raleigh Police Department also was investigating incidents in the area that might be related, according to university police.

Police encouraged students to take the following steps to keep themselves safe:

• Walk in groups whenever possible, especially at night.
• Do not wear earbuds, headphones or listen to music while walking alone.
• Contact Safety Escort Services at 919-515-3000.
• If you feel unsafe or threatened in any situation, contact N.C. State police.