Bradley University Police issued a safety alert early Saturday morning after two students said they were threatened with a gun.
According to the BU Police Facebook page, they were in a vehicle a few blocks from campus when a teenage looking boy approached the car, displayed a handgun, then fled with another suspect on foot.
There were no injuries reported.
The suspect with the gun was said to be wearing a black hoodie. There was no description of the second suspect.
BU Police urge students to take precautions to stay safe on and near campus with the statement below:
Safety Alert
August 31, 2019
Dear Bradley Campus Community:
A crime has recently occurred in the Bradley University campus area and we want you to be informed so you can take appropriate precautions. Safety Alerts, such as this, are issued for incidents that have already occurred but do not require immediate action by recipients.
At approximately 3:03 a.m., Bradley University Police and Peoria Police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in the 1100 block of W. Main Street, near of the intersection of W. Main Street and N. Bourland Avenue. This is approximately two blocks east of N. University Street.
An unknown suspect approached two Bradley students who were sitting inside a vehicle and displayed a handgun. The suspect and a second suspect fled on foot northbound away from campus. No injuries were reported.
The first suspect was described as a 16-17 year old male, wearing a black hoodie sweatshirt. No description of the second suspect was available.
Information about the race or ethnicity of alleged suspects is provided only if it can aid detailed descriptions that include physical stature, clothing or unusual characteristics. Racial descriptions do not, by themselves, offer a meaningful picture of an individual’s appearance.
An investigation is continuing.
If you witnessed this incident or have any information, please call Bradley police at 309-677-2000 or Peoria police at 309-673-4521.
Do Your Part to Stay Safe
The Bradley University Police Department is a fully sworn police department with 21 officers who work to keep the Bradley community safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day a year. The BUPD patrols the campus as well as a significant area off campus. It works closely with other local law enforcement agencies, but safety also requires you to take action. A safe campus can be achieved only with the cooperation of the entire university community-students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Please remember:
– Report suspicious people immediately to the Bradley University Police Department by calling 309-677-2000 or using one of the emergency blue light phones on and around campus.
– During the hours of 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. when the spring and fall semesters are in session, utilize the Hilltop Safety Cruiser program by calling 309-677-2800.
– Use the Bradley University Police Department escort programs by calling 309-677-2000.
– Do not leave your property, vehicles, homes or residence hall rooms unsecured.
– Always be aware of your surroundings.
– Walk in pairs or groups, especially during the evening and night.
– Do not become distracted by talking on your cell phone or listening to music through headphones.
– Travel on well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking through alleys or parking lots.
– Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.). Avoid or keep a distance from these areas when possible.
– Take note of suspicious vehicles, especially those that appear to be circling the block or driving unusually slow. If you observe a suspicious vehicle, relay its description and location to the Bradley University Police Department by calling 309-677-2000 or using one of the emergency blue light phones on and around campus.
– If you think someone is following you, cross the street, head for a well-populated, well-lit area and contact the Bradley University Police Department.
– If approached, give up your property.
A safety alert is a means to notify students, faculty and staff about incidents that represent a serious or continuing threat to the campus, based on the nature and location of the incident.
To learn more about the BUPD visit the police page online and follow the BUPD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram BradleyUPolice
