Gunman robs three on Cleveland

Three Newark residents were allegedly robbed at gunpoint by an unknown suspect in a parking lot on Cleveland Avenue early Tuesday morning.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., a 23-year-old woman and two men were getting out of a vehicle parked behind a residence in the 100 block of East Cleveland Avenue when an armed man approached them and demanded their property, according to Newark police spokesman Lt. Mark Farrall.

The suspect, who was carrying a gun, took each of the victim's wallets and cell phones before fleeing on foot through a driveway toward East Cleveland Avenue, Farrall said. No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect was described as having an olive complexion and a thick beard. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a red hooded sweatshirt and a red fitted baseball cap.

Newark police spokesman MCpl. Gerald Bryda said he believes it is wise for students to travel in groups at night. He said it's also important for students to comply with a gunman's demands.

"We just want to remind people, if that happens, don't put up a fight," Bryda said.  "Just put up your valuables, because your safety is more important than anything else."

Bryda said there has not been a trend involving armed robberies and college students this year.

Junior Mary Arnstein, who lives on Cleveland Avenue, said the news was unpleasant because she does not always find people walking in her direction when she needs to walk home at night.

"On weekends I usually have people to walk with, but when coming back from a meeting or class, I don't have a choice," Arnstein said.

Although she typically walks down the 100 block of East Cleveland Avenue after sorority chapter meetings Sunday nights, Arnstein said she may consider a different way home because of the robbery.

"I'm rethinking that route from now on," she said.

Senior Sarah Berrue, who lives in an apartment on Kershaw Street close to Cleveland Avenue, said the presence of criminal activity was disturbing because she already thought the area was unsafe.

Berrue said she feels less safe when walking down parts of Cleveland Avenue that are further from campus and would try to find someone to walk home with in the future.

"I've never been fond of living on Cleveland because I've heard that this stuff happens around here." Berrue said. "It's a scary thought because I live near [the scene of the crime]."

Farrall said he recommends students remain vigilant and treat all suspicious action seriously.

"If you see anyone suspicious walking around a parking lot late at night, it would be a good idea to call the police so they can determine if it is, in fact, suspicious behavior," Farrall said.

Anyone with additional information about this incident should contact Det. Nick Sansone at (302) 366-7110, ext. 135 or nick.sansone@cj.state.de.us.

Tom Lehman contributed to this article.