Duke Student Robbed on West Campus Early Saturday

A Duke University student was robbed on West Campus early Saturday morning by a man who reportedly showed a gun and took the victim's wallet before walking off into the woods.

The incident happened about 2:15 a.m. at a picnic table at the end of the Edens Drive fire lane. According to Duke Police spokeswoman Maj. Phyllis Cooper, the 17-year-old male student was told to put his wallet on the picnic table. The assailant took the wallet and then walked into the woods in the Wannamaker Drive area. The victim, who was unharmed, went to Rick's Diner in nearby McClendon Tower to call the police.

Duke Police are canvassing the area and looking for the suspect, who is described as a black man, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, wearing a dark mesh camouflage T-shirt, dark blue jeans and a dark hat. They also are working with the victim to develop any leads.

Also, four Duke students were robbed in the 1000 block of Gregson Street near the Minerva Street intersection, a few blocks from Duke's East Campus, shortly after 1 a.m. Friday. Durham Police report the four students were walking from a Brightleaf Square restaurant when they were approached by two men, one of whom was believed to be holding a handgun. The students were instructed to sit on the ground and give up wallets, cash and cell phones. No injuries were reported.

Duke Police ask anyone with information about either incident to call 911 on campus or 684-2444. They also remind students and others to follow safety precautions.

Cooper said police would issue additional information when it becomes available.