January 14, 2023

Dear Loyola Community,

Campus Safety is writing to notify you of two incidents that occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday, January 13.

At approximately 10:08 p.m. a student was walking near the intersection of West Arthur Avenue and North Lakewood Avenue when they were approached by a single person who demanded the victim’s cell phone and threatened the student with a gun that was not visible. At approximately 10:10 p.m. a student was walking in the same area when they were approached by several people. They demanded that the student turn over their cell phone to them while displaying a knife. The offenders fled eastbound on West Arthur Avenue. Neither student was injured.

If anyone has information on the incident, please call Campus Safety at 773-508-SAFE or the Chicago Police Department at 911 or 312-744-8263. The Chicago Police Department also continues to investigate leads related to other recent violent incidents in the district, and any new updates will be posted to the 24th District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) and CLEARMAP websites. Please also keep the following risk-reduction tips in mind:

Safety Tips

• If a person threatens you, follow any demands and run away as soon as it is safe to do so. Once in a safe place, immediately notify Campus Safety at 773-508-SAFE or the Chicago Police Department at 911.
  
  
• Investigative follow-up will be dependent on the amount of detail a person can recall. It is important to remember as many identifying characteristics about the offender(s) as possible. This can include the license plate of any involved vehicle, physical characteristics of the person, their clothing, any weapons used, direction of flight, etc.
  
  
• If you see something you believe to be suspicious, immediately contact Campus Safety or the Chicago Police Department.

Campus Safety recognizes that survivors are not at fault for any crime. Students who are seeking resources related to acts of violence can contact the Wellness Center at 773-508-2530 or visit the Community Coalition on Gender-Based Violence website. Faculty and staff in need of resources are encouraged to utilize the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

The safety and well-being of the Loyola community is always of paramount importance and a top priority.

Sincerely,

Thomas K. Murray
Director of Campus Safety
Chief of Police