In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), 20 U.S.C. 1092 (f), the College of Charleston issues timely notices to notify the campus community of Clery Act crimes or other serious incidents that the College determines represent a serious and ongoing threat to the campus. The College may distribute timely notices using a variety of means, including emails, text messages, flyers, and website announcements posted on the Campus Safety website http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/campus-alert/index.php.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, the Department of Public Safety is informing the College of Charleston campus community of an off-campus armed robbery.
Incident: armed robbery/firearm
Date: August 27, 2014
Time: 2125 hours (9:25 pm)
Reported to: Charleston City Police Department Report # 14-14429
Location: 20 Burns Lane, Charleston, SC
Suspects’ status: Two (2) black male suspects still at large.
Incident description: At approximately 9:25 pm the victim was walking through the parking lot at the rear of 20 Burns Lane where the suspects approached him. One of the suspects pulled out a firearm and demanded he victim’s wallet. The suspects then ran west on Burns Lane fleeing the scene. The suspects were possibly in a red SUV type vehicle, possibly a Toyota, before the incident.
Suspect Description: One subject with dread locks and last seen wearing a camouflage shirt and dark shorts. The second subject had a shaved head or very short hair
Important Message: It is important to note that the victim/survivor is never the cause of the criminal offense. The College does not tolerate this behavior.
Use well-lit- routes, avoid dark vacant areas, and those not frequented by other people. Avoid walking alone at night. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid distractions like talking on your cell phone. Use ATMs during the day. If you must use an ATM at night do not do so alone. Avoid ATMs that are not clearly visible from the street. Be aware of people loitering in areas around ATMs, vehicles, and residences.
If you observe unusual activity, try to remember details as best you can. For example, what a person was wearing or any other identifiers like scars, tattoos or shoes. Please always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and notify Law Enforcement immediately if you observe potentially dangerous situations or individuals.
Public Safety is available to provide escorts on-campus and the Cougar Shuttle (888.960.2227) is available for off-campus transportation on the downtown peninsula seven nights a week from 11:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M., during the fall and spring semesters. For addition safety tips, visit http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/stay-safe/index.php.
Get Involved and Make a Difference: The College encourages the prompt reporting of all crimes, On-campus contact Public Safety (843.953.5611), and off-campus (911).
Oftentimes, students are present when a crime is about to happen and bystander intervention is one method students may use to help prevent a crime from happening. Learn how to develop this skill and safely intervene. Contact the Office of Victim Services at 843.953.2273.
Victim Assistance: Enrolled College of Charleston students who become victims of serious crime are encouraged to get victim assistance by contacting the Office of Victim Services (843.953.2273). Comprehensive services, including assistance with missed classes/academic disruption, are available regardless of the incident location, or if the student elected to file an official report, or not.
If you have any information regarding the crime indicated above, please contact:
City of Charleston Police Department
Emergencies: 911
Non-Emergency: 577-7434
Crime Stoppers: (Anonymous Reporting 554-1111)
College of Charleston Campus Police
Emergencies: 953-5611
Non-Emergency: 953-5609 (Administrative Line)
Crime Action Line: (Anonymous Reporting) 953-4988
Silent Witness: http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/silent-witness.php