Maple muggers raise concern

Two allegedly armed robbers mugged a pair of Tulane students at 8:15 p.m. Saturday as they left Maple Street.
After demanding the students’ belongings, the assailants fled, and the students contacted the Tulane University Police Department. While this robbery was the first on Maple this semester, it follows two muggings in the area last semester.

TUPD Colonel Jack LeBlanc said that two perpetrators flanked the students.

“The students were returning from dinner on Maple Street as they approached Broadway,” LeBlanc said. “We have learned that they were walking down the sidewalk at the time. One of the perpetrators ran past them on the street. When he got to them, he leaned over like he was out of breath. Another then approached them from the rear and demanded the purse.”

The perpetrators said that they possessed a weapon, LeBlanc said.

“They implied that they were armed,” LeBlanc said. “One kept his hand in his pocket and said, ‘I will shoot you.’”
At that point, the students did not resist, LeBlanc said.

“The victims complied, and the assailants told them to walk away,” LeBlanc said.

Freshman Ben Fellbaum said that despite the recent muggings around campus, he continues to feel safe. He said, however, that he will act with more awareness in the future.

“I still feel safe around campus and nearby, but I am much more aware of the potential dangers now,” Fellbaum said.

LeBlanc said that TUPD does not have any leads on the suspects, who remain at large.

Though the three muggings in late November took place in the same area, it is highly unlikely that they are connected to the recent robbery, LeBlanc said.

“As far as we can determine, there is no connection to the muggings on Maple Street last semester,” LeBlanc said.
Freshman Ryan Chan said that he thinks the robberies highlight the need for precautions when traveling off campus.

“I plan to make some changes,” Chan said. “Students definitely shouldn’t leave the bars on Maple Street before sobering up a little bit. I think walking home in groups is the most important thing.”

LeBlanc said that TUPD is considering how to better cover the territory.

“There has been an increase in the amount of police presence in the area after the other muggings,” LeBlanc said. “After a thing like this happens, we always re-examine our effort. We plan to increase our effort by placing more officers on bicycles. That will allow them to be closer to the community and better monitor what happens in the area.”

In addition to remaining aware of their surroundings and traveling in groups, LeBlanc said that students should utilize the Safe Ride service.

“The best way to travel off-campus is obviously Safe Ride,” LeBlanc said. “It is really a wonderful service, and I think a lot of students understand that.”

TUPD will extend the hours that Safe Ride runs during Mardi Gras break until 6 a.m., LeBlanc said.