On Oct. 29, President Thrasher sent out an email to all Florida State students regarding student safety. There have been multiple reports of robberies and even hostile attacks within recent weeks. In light of recent events that have happened on campus, he emphasized the importance of our safety and made it known how involved FSUPD has been with these cases.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, a Florida State student was walking past Einstein’s Bagels at around 11:30 p.m. when someone suddenly robbed them. As the student and their friend noticed the suspect approaching them, they tried walking in the opposite direction. The suspect ran towards them and stole the victim’s wallet, ran to a car parked nearby, and fled the scene. The suspect was reportedly seen with a firearm at the time of the robbery. The university sent out an email regarding this robbery and mentioned that FSU PD had increased patrol at the time of the incident to try and locate the suspect.
Courtesy: police.fsu.edu
This robbery alone is catching the attention of many students, but another incident that occurred early on the morning of Monday, Oct. 28, has shaken up students campus-wide. A parent in the FSU Class of 2023 Facebook page posted: “My son’s best friend got jumped this morning outside of Gilchrist, stabbed in the head, they robbed him and tried to kidnap him, he escaped! There have been arrests made! He had to have his head wound stapled.” Within the first three hours of this being posted, it received almost 200 comments from other parents. Apparently, a few Panhellenic sorority members witnessed this attempted kidnapping and robbery, which occurred at 6:45 a.m. The email sent out to FSU students later that day included more details about this incident. Rodney Jermaine Joyner, a 36-year-old man was charged with Robbery with a Weapon, Aggravated Battery using a Deadly Weapon, and Attempted Kidnapping in the Commission of a Felony. The email mentioned that Joyner took the victim’s phone from their pocket, demanded the password and tried to get the victim to leave with him. After the victim escaped, Joyner ran and drove away. His vehicle was later found towards FAMU. Joyner was arrested shortly after. FSU PD retrieved the victim’s phone and is still investigating this situation.
In his email, President Thrasher started off by saying, “the safety and security of everyone at Florida State University remains my top priority.” Thrasher said that he has full trust in the capabilities of the FSU Police Department. He reassures us by mentioning that 15 new officers have been added to the team and funding towards security has increased within the past few years. He goes on to say that there are more lighting and cameras throughout campus as well as a new crime prevention software. Thrasher ended the email by exaggerating the importance of student safety and recommends to be aware of our surroundings at all times.
Courtesy of president.fsu.edu
Walking through campus alone is always a little scary, especially as a woman. Now would be the perfect time to vow to never go anywhere alone, specifically at night. Purchasing pepper spray to keep on your key chain is always a good idea to be extra safe. Always be aware of your surroundings. Try putting your phone away when walking back to the parking garage so that you can be more alert. We shouldn’t have to worry this much about watching our backs, but the fact of the matter is that anything could happen at any time, anywhere. Stay safe out there, ‘Noles!
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