ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland University police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred inside a student dorm building Wednesday.
Five men in ski masks approached a female college student and attempted to steal her car keys. Students who live in the building say they're on edge.
“I’m still thinking about if it was like students or if it was random people who came into the building and how they got in there," OU freshman Noelle said.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday inside Oakview Hall. University officials say the suspects approached the student in one of the halls and asked is she wanted company. They then asked if they could take her car for a ride.
One suspect attempted to forcibly take her car keys out of her hand. The female student yelled for help and her roommate opened the door. That's when all five men fled down the stairwell.
Kelly Jackson also lives in the building and woke up to a notification from the school about the incident. She says she's shaken up and plans on taking extra precautions including not sleeping in the building for at least a night.
“It’s really bizarre. You don’t expect it to happen here," Jackson said. "I have protection on me at all times. I naturally do 'cause I’m a girl in college, but it’s definitely more on me now than it was before because I would never want that to happen to me.”
Jackson said signs were posted around the building Wednesday after the incident reminding everyone of key card rules. University police are reviewing surveillance footage to see how the suspects got in and if they were let in by someone else.
OUPD is investigating and do have some leads. Meanwhile, students just hope the masked men are caught soon.
“I hope the victim is alright. I hope they catch the five guys that they’re trying to find and hopefully, OUPD brings justice," student Josh Norman said.
If you know anything about the incident, call the Oakland University Police Department at 248-370‑333.
The department recommends that campus community members remember and utilize the following robbery prevention tips:
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
- Show confidence – Walk at a steady pace, keep your head up, and show that you are ready to respond to a threat.
- Be observant of your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or look at your cell phone when walking.
- Stick to well-lighted streets and well-populated areas.
- Walk with friends or in a group.
- Never reveal large amounts of money or other valuables.
- Do not use ATM machines at night.
- If confronted by a robber, stay calm and do as instructed.
- Get a look at the robber, but don’t stare. Do your best to identify something distinctive about the suspect(s).
- Don’t chase or follow the robber. Let the police do so.
