Gunpoint robbery leaves University of Kansas students questioning safety

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A University of Kansas student said she was robbed at gunpoint Monday night while she was on a swing set.

The young woman said a man with a black ski mask and gray hooded sweatshirt pulled out a silver gun and demanded her possessions. He ran away with a cell phone and an iPod, but the student was unharmed.

Stouffer Place Apartments, a student housing complex, is located next to the playground.

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Resident and KU student Doris Scheer said the building is usually quiet and campus police presence gives her peace of mind.

"I was just out here loading up some of my stuff and they came right up and (were) questioning and checking on everything," Scheer said.

Signs posted near Stouffer Place warn of video monitoring. KU spokeswoman Jill Jess did not say whether the robbery showed up on camera.

Jess said crimes like these are rare on campus, but students should always be prepared. She recommends students walk in groups after dark.

"We do have blue emergency phones in areas around campus that will ring directly to 9-1-1," Jess said.

The crime has given Stouffer Place residents reason to rethink their safety.

"I'm really scared because it's a very safe place on the university campus, but now I'm thinking it's not so safe," resident Abipsaj Maity said.

"It's scary, but there's risk anywhere you're at," Scheer said.

KU Public Safety has a vague description of the suspect. They saiod he is a black male, 6 foot 2 inches tall, 170 pounds, wearing a black ski mask and a gray hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at (785) 864-8888 or KU Public Safety at (785) 864-5900.