University of Texas at Arlington students say they're on edge following two reported armed robberies on campus this week. UTA Police continue to look for the suspects while they step up patrols across the university.
As she walked back to her car, which was parked in Lot 50 on the south side of campus, UT-Arlington senior Kristen Alcarez had a lot of things racing through her head.
"Is someone around me? Is someone following me?" said Alcarez. "It's not what you should have to think about just trying to go to school."
Monday evening, a student reported that two men robbed him at gunpoint in Lot 50. Then on Thursday afternoon, another student said he was robbed by a single gunman in Lot 51, which is across the street from Lot 50.
UTA Police are looking into whether the two incidents are related. No arrests have been made.
"People are definitely talking about it in class," said Alcarez. "Everyone is not really understanding why this keeps happening."
UTA Police Chief Kim Lemaux wants to reassure the university community that their campus is a safe place.
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"UTA PD is very committed to ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus," said Lemaux.
She says the department will increase patrols around all campus parking lots.
Friday, both UTA Police and Arlington Police towers were up in several parking lots, and officers were very visible near the south side of campus.
Students say they're trying to do their part as well.
"I try to leave as the class lets out, so it's a big group of people walking near the parking lots at the same time," aid Alcarez.
Meanwhile, UTA Police are asking the entire Arlington community to help them locate the suspects.
The attacker in Thursday's incident is described as black male in his early 20's, 5'8" – 5'10" tall, weighing 170 – 190 pounds, with close cut hair and no facial hair. Police believe he is driving a black, two-door Pontiac with a license plate that possibly starts with the letters FBR.
UTA Police encourage students to use their 24-hour security escort service. If a student is alone, they can call UTA Police, which will send an officer to walk with them wherever they need to go on campus.
