{
  "id": "2015-10-23-syracuse-university-off-campus-attempted-strong-arm-robbery-october-23",
  "slug": "syracuse-university-off-campus-attempted-strong-arm-robbery-october-23-2015-10-23",
  "institution": {
    "name": "Syracuse University",
    "shortName": "Syracuse",
    "state": "NY",
    "type": "private-r1",
    "alertSystemName": "Orange Alert / DPS Notice",
    "enrollment": 22000
  },
  "incident": {
    "date": "2015-10-23",
    "type": "robbery",
    "cleryCategory": "timely-warning",
    "resolution": "under-investigation",
    "headline": "Off-campus attempted strong-arm robbery October 23 2015",
    "headlinePublic": "Off-campus attempted strong-arm robbery October 23 2015",
    "summary": "Syracuse University DPS [published a public safety notice](https://dps.syr.edu/2015/10/23/public-safety-notice-off-campus-attempted-strong-arm-robbery-10-23-2015/). Full text is preserved from the official DPS page.",
    "outcome": "See official DPS notice for investigation status and safety guidance.",
    "casualties": {
      "killed": 0,
      "injured": 0
    }
  },
  "alerts": [
    {
      "sequence": 1,
      "type": "initial",
      "channel": "email",
      "verbatimText": "For the protection and safety of SU students, faculty, staff and neighbors, the Department of Public Safety releases the following alert:\n\nOff Campus Attempted Strong-Arm Robbery\nSPD Cases #15-514535\n\nFriday, October 23, 2015\n\n708 Lancaster Avenue\n\nA student reported an attempted strong arm robbery that occurred off campus. The student reports he was walking northbound in the 700 block of Lancaster Ave. when he was approached from behind by four unknown males on bicycles. One of the suspects attempted to grab the student's cellphone from his hand. The student was then punched in the back of his head, causing him to fall to the ground, sustaining a small laceration to his hand.\n\nThe suspects fled the scene on bicycles heading north on Lancaster Ave, then east on Clarendon Street, away from campus. The student refused medical attention. There was no property stolen and no threat of a weapon.\n\nDPS asks your help in identifying the suspects if you were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. For this purpose, the following is the description of the suspects: 4 Males, 16 years of age, all suspects had on hooded sweatshirts, one was orange, one was red and one was black, all had dark pants on, no further description.\n\nFor an interactive map of the incident location, refer to the Google Map.\n\nIf anyone has any information regarding this incident or others, please contact the Syracuse Police Department at (315) 442-5222 or the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety at (315) 443-2224.\n\nIf you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.\n\nFor your safety, please remember:\n\nTake advantage of the CENTRO and Birnie Bus services. Taxi services are also available.\nAfter dark, take advantage of the free safety escort services available through the Department of Public Safety. Both walking\n\nand shuttle services are available to students, staff, and faculty at SU or SUNY-ESF. Call 443-SAFE (7233) for more\n\ninformation about these services.Walk, bike or jog in groups of three or more, away from bushes, cars, and other objects a suspect could hide behind.\nPlan your walking travel times by avoiding late to early morning hours.\nBe aware of your surroundings: look and listen. Headphones and cell phones can create tunnel vision.\nTravel in well-lit and populated areas. Keep porch lights on at night.\nDownload the LiveSafe app on your Android or iOS smart phone. The app provides a virtual escort feature you can use with friends and quick links to important public safety information. Set the app to Syracuse University and sign up with your syr.edu email address!\nDon't approach strangers or let them get close to you. If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Go toward an open business or lighted house.\nHave your house or car keys in hand before you reach your door.\nKnow where campus blue light alarms are and how to use them.\nIf someone tries to rob you, don't resist. Give up your property, not your life. If you are in a safe place to do so, attempt to get a description of the suspect(s) and any associated vehicles or license plate numbers.\nIMMEDIATELY report emergencies or suspicious activities, persons and vehicles.\n\nFor Public Safety dial 315-443-2224 or #78 (from a cell phone); if you are in a situation where you cannot safely make a phone call, send a text message to 711@syr.edu; for Syracuse Police, dial 911. Your quick reporting may help prevent others from becoming victims.\n\nThis public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://dps.syr.edu/2015/10/23/public-safety-notice-off-campus-attempted-strong-arm-robbery-10-23-2015/",
      "sourceDescription": "Syracuse University Department of Public Safety notice",
      "annotations": [
        "Transcribed from official dps.syr.edu public safety notice HTML."
      ],
      "characterCount": 3621,
      "confidence": "high",
      "timestampApprox": "DPS notice dated 2015-10-23"
    }
  ],
  "context": "Syracuse University Department of Public Safety public safety notice series under dps.syr.edu.",
  "keyFindings": [
    "Official DPS public safety notice preserves campus community warning text."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "type": "official-archive",
      "title": "Public Safety Notice: Off Campus Attempted Strong-Arm Robbery, 10-23-2015",
      "url": "https://dps.syr.edu/2015/10/23/public-safety-notice-off-campus-attempted-strong-arm-robbery-10-23-2015/",
      "accessDate": "2026-07-26"
    }
  ],
  "confidence": "high",
  "tags": [
    "syracuse",
    "dps",
    "public-safety-notice",
    "robbery"
  ],
  "dateAdded": "2026-07-26",
  "lastUpdated": "2026-07-26",
  "addedBy": "ingestion"
}