Police urge safety focus after Saturday robbery

UW-Madison and city police are urging a focus on personal safety in the wake of an armed robbery involving a UW–Madison student at around 7:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.

A 20-year-old female student was robbed at gunpoint while walking on the bike path in the 100 block of North Mills Street.

Madison police said the victim was walking on the path when the suspect approached, holding a long-barreled black handgun. After stealing her purse, the robber fled westbound on the bike path.

According to police, the suspect is described as an Asian male, 20-25 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall and 150 pounds, with a medium build, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and a black knit mask covering his nose and mouth.

UWPD is reminding students that safety is a shared partnership between students, faculty and staff, the city and law enforcement. To play your part, consider the following:

— Always walk with a group of friends, especially at night. Both men and women have been victims of robberies over the past year, which have been unprovoked and without a pattern.

— Watch out for your friends and neighbors, and take care of one another.

— Make use of SAFE Nighttime Services, (608) 262-5000, http://www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/safeservices.asp

— Carry a cell phone and dial 911 for help.

— If you intend to drink, do so in moderation so as not to put yourself in a position of increased risk.

— Use your “radar” or common sense as your first defense.

If you have information about the incident, please call Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.