Student robbed near campus, loses cell phone

Shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday, a student heading south on Catalina Street was robbed by a male suspect in his late twenties, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The suspect jumped out of a nearby car, tore her phone from her hands, jumped back in and sped away. The student remained unharmed.

Police officers responded to the incident and are continuing to conduct an investigation to see if the suspect is still in the area. The suspect vehicle is a black four-door sedan with a possible license plate of 7MIF822.

DPS sent an email to students at approximately 5:45 p.m. to alert them of the crime.

DPS Assistant Chief David Carlisle warned students not to walk off campus after dark, and instead to go with friends or take advantage of campus transportation services such as the Campus Cruiser or an Uber. Carlisle also advised students to make safe choices.

“It would be helpful if students, particularly if they’re out alone, not to show off their valuables, to pay attention to their surroundings, [and] maybe wait to make that phone call so that someone wouldn’t see their phone in their hand,” Carlisle said.

Though these instances are rare, Carlisle said that DPS prefers that they not happen at all.

“Safety at USC is a partnership between DPS and the students,” Carlisle said. “Listen to those safety tips I provided and most people will never have an issue.”