Man forces 2 Pitt students to ATM, takes off with money, police say

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are investigating after two students were robbed in Oakland Thursday night.

It happened around 9:30 p.m. on the 300 block of Oakland Avenue.

The two victims reported that the robber said he had a gun, although the victims never saw it.

University officials said the robber made the victims get rid of their cell phones and ordered them to walk with him to an ATM at another location where the victims withdrew money. The subject then ran away on Oakland Avenue. Victims provided description of subject and subject was found on surveillance camera footage.

Students we spoke with said this most recent alert didn’t say what time the incident happened.

They also recently received an alert about a carjacking near campus and told Channel 11 while they appreciate the notifications from the university, they wish they’d know about them sooner.

”I wish they would send out alerts earlier for sure because it seems like it’s always four hours after it happens, then you get an alert. It’s like - it’s over by then,” said Carson Demico, who lives on campus on Oakland Avenue.

”Especially with everything that happened last year, I think that we just need a little bit more clarity on what’s happening and when it’s happening,” said junior Erin Reed.

A spokesperson for the University of Pittsburgh told Channel 11 they have increased patrols on and around campus. Pitt students told me they’ve learned to take the necessary precautions.

”Most of my friends carry mace or a Birdie - the thing that goes off. I think it’s really smart to carry one of those. I haven’t bought mine yet, but I probably will after this,” said Molly Appio, a Pitt junior.

University of Pittsburgh police are assisting in the investigation.

Anyone having information regarding this incident should call the University of Pittsburgh Police Department at 412-624-2121 or the City of Pittsburgh Police at 412-422-6520.

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