Investigation of armed robbery continues

Three days after an armed robbery took place in Wilson House, the Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) continues to investigate the crime.

TUPD Captain Mark Keith was unable to provide any information as to the possible motive behind the robbery. He added that the crime was being viewed "an isolated incident, not a random act."

The only item taken during the robbery was a black trunk, which belonged to the victim. Keith said conversations with the victim indicated the trunk contained mostly school supplies.

As the investigation moves forward, TUPD continues to gather a little bit of information each day, Keith said. At this time, there is no information as to whether or not the suspects and victim in the Wilson House incident were acquaintances.

At around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 6, TUPD received a report from a Wilson House resident that he had been robbed at gunpoint by three masked men at approximately 11:30 p.m. that evening.

Because the suspects wore masks, TUPD has been hampered in its efforts to identify them. Keith said "it is unknown at this time" whether the suspects were Tufts students.

According to Keith, Somerville Police has also been involved in the investigation. However, the department has been unavailable for comment.

In response to the robbery, TUPD has increased patrols around campus. "We are directing additional patrols in and around Wilson house particularly, but we're also being vigilant throughout the campus," Keith said. "We understand that students and parents are concerned about safety."

The last armed robbery on campus occurred in December 2001, when approximately $1800 worth of cash and property was stolen from four South Hall residents. In the South Hall incident, the suspect was a non-Tufts student, but was acquainted with the victims.

Wilson House Residential Assistant Christopher Roughton said he had no further details about the incident. Seven Wilson House residents spoken to yesterday also said they did not know any more about what happened Monday night.