Police are investigating after a UCLA employee escaped a strong-arm robbery attempt on Monday morning.
The UCLA Police Department said that it happened on campus around 9:50 a.m.
According to the department’s release, the employee – who was not publically identified – was leaving the Center for Health Sciences onto Westwood Boulevard when the suspect approached.
The suspect tried to take the employee’s cell phone from their hand, but police said the victim was able to pull their phone back and run from the scene.
After briefly following the victim, the suspect purportedly turned around and started walking south toward Westwood Village.
Details are limited, and officials did not immediately say whether the suspect knew the employee or if there was a struggle before the victim escaped, but no injuries were reported.
Police described the suspect as a man in his 20s with short and curly hair, a dark complexion and clean shaven with a mole under his right eye.
He was last seen with a blue moving blanket draped over him, according to the department.
The attempted robbery is still under investigation, and the UCLA Police Department said it would like to remind the campus community to:
- Dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
- For non-emergencies, program the UCLA PD 24-hour phone number into your cell phone: 310-825-1491.
- Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police.
- Do not leave doors to buildings propped open.
- Secure your residence by locking all windows and doors.
- Avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas when walking at night.
- Utilize the UCLA Safe Ride Service and UCPD CSO evening escorts.
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