SBU Police Step Up Patrols After Second Incident Reported

Stony Brook University officials are ramping up security after reports of a robbery and an attempted robbery on campus came in over the course of three days.

After releasing an emergency alert about a student who had been robbed Sept. 1 on campus, Stony Brook University officials have now said an attempted robbery was reported Tuesday.

"Please know that campus patrols have been increased, and it is important for all students, faculty and staff to be alert while the investigation continues," Police Chief Robert Lenahan said in a statement.

He also said a full criminal investigation is underway in collaboration with the Suffolk County Police Department. "The university takes this matter very seriously," Lenahan said.

He advised those traveling on campus at night to keep in mind safety options such as an escorted walk (Walk-Services: (631) 632-6337), a ride after dark (Safe-Ride: (631) 632-7433), the Blue Light phone system and the SB Guardian smartphone app.

The second incident, an attempted robbery, happened at about 12:50 a.m. on Tuesday when a group of three male students were walking together to a residence hall in the vicinity of the bicycle path near Circle Road and the athletic fields when they were approached by two men wearing ski masks. The victims told police that one of those people displayed what looked like an Airsoft pistol and demanded money. When the victims said they had none, the two suspects fled in an unknown direction.

The victims described one man as a Caucasian man with a light complexion and light colored eyes, approximately 5-foot-10 to 6-foot in height and between 18 and 21 years old. They described the second suspect as a Caucasian man, approximately 6-foot to 6-foot-3 in height and between 18 and 21 years of age, wearing goggles that appeared to have a camera attached.

Anyone with information about either incident is encouraged to work with the university police or call Suffolk's Crime Stoppers line at 1-800-220-TIPS. Calls to Crime Stoppers are kept confidential and may result in a reward if information leads to an arrest.