Man Fights Off Armed Robber On UC Riverside Campus

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — In the wake of an attempted armed robbery of a student, UC Riverside officials want to remind students of the free services available on the campus to keep them safe.

Police say two suspects in a car followed a man as he walked south on Canyon Crest Drive near University Avenue at about 8:20 p.m. Monday.

A preliminary investigation revealed one of the suspects got out of the car and followed the victim on foot to the Arts and interdisciplinary buildings. Police said the suspect then pulled out a gun and tried to rob him.

The student fought back against the attacker and got away, but was injured during the scuffle. The would-be robber ran off empty handed and into a silver Honda Civic hatchback.

University officials believe someone may have seen the getaway car.

"It has an oxidation pattern that's kind of identifiable...good enough picture that we think people could recognize this car," UC Riverside spokeswoman Kris Lovekin said.

Campus police and the Riverside Police Department searched the immediate area, however, the suspects were not found.

According to authorities, a witnesses warned the victim at one point that it appeared the suspects were following him. Officers would like to speak with this witness.

The crime is a good reminder that students have access to free services to keep them safe, including an escort program and free trolleys. Overall, students say UCR is well-patrolled, but they stay on guard.

"I'm of the mindset that it's pretty safe," student Diana Anderson said.

Anyone with information about the attempted robbery can contact the University of California Police Department at (951) 827-5222.