Updated 02/06: Fort Worth police said Friday, that the report of an armed robbery on Wabash Avenue earlier this week was actually a drug deal.
“This was not a robbery from subjects ‘flagging him down,’”Officer Bradley Perez said. “It was a narcotics buy that went bad.”
He said the student no longer wishing to pursue the matter as a robbery. Perez said he is not aware of charges being pursued against the student.
The criminal justice major originally told police he was driving down Wabash Avenue around 8 p.m. when the two suspects by a stopped vehicle waved him over. As the student slowed down, one suspect ran up to his vehicle, brandishing a gun and got inside his vehicle. He then demanded the student go to a nearby ATM and withdraw money, according to the Perez.
Perez said police do not believe that there is any danger of this happening to someone else but still recommends constant caution.
“What I would advise anyone of, not just TCU students, is if you observe someone trying to flag you down, to not stop and to call 911 and report the situation and location,” Perez said. “Let the police handle it, not the citizen.”
The email from TCU Police asked any community members to “remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity.”
The email also gave the following safety tips to students:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Use extreme caution if you observe or are approached by a person that appears to be acting strangely or suspicious. Avoid them and call police immediately.
- If possible, always travel in pairs with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
- On campus, use shuttle service, Froggie Five-0 and other escort services when available.
- When reporting suspicious activity, be a good witness. Describe exactly what you observe with as many details as possible. Give complete descriptions such as sex, race, height, weight, hair color, clothing, etc. If a vehicle is involved, note the color, make, model and, if possible the license plate.
TCU Associate Director of Strategic Communications Managment Holly Ellman said the case was in Fort Worth Police jurisdiction and referred to them for all comments.
