Security Alert

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

The below narrative contains information regarding two armed robberies that were reported to the University of Chicago Police Department. Campus security alerts are notifications sent to the University community as required by the Clery Act.

At approximately 2:50 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – A University student walking at 5639 S. University and a second University student walking across the street at 5640 S. University were approached by four suspects armed with handguns. The suspects demanded and took property from the victims before entering a waiting 4-door black Infiniti and driving off. The victims reported no physical injuries. UCPD is investigating this robbery.

At approximately 2:55 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – A University student walking off-campus at 1367 E. 56th Street was approached by two unknown suspects armed with handguns. The suspects demanded and took property from the victim before entering a waiting 4-door black vehicle that drove southbound on S. Dorchester Avenue. The victim reported no physical injuries. The Chicago Police Department is investigating this crime.

UCPD and Campus Safety Ambassadors will maintain an increased presence in the area.


Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not resist an armed robbery unless absolutely necessary. Avoid using cell phones or other electronic devices while on the street. When walking, try to walk with a group or have a friend walk with you. There is safety in numbers.

Familiarize yourself with the location of the University’s emergency phones. If you see suspicious activity, please report it immediately to police by activating an emergency phone or by calling the UCPD when you get to a safe location. Use the UCPD's Safety Escort Program and when possible use public transportation. Visit the Department of Safety & Security’s website for more information about safety and security at the University of Chicago.

Quick Takeaways

  • If you have any information related to this incident or if you witness any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to the Chicago Police Department (911) or the University of Chicago Police Department – 123 from a University phone or 773.702.8181 from other phones.

  • Security alerts are issued by email and posted to the Department of Safety & Security’s website when an incident occurs that should be brought to the immediate attention of the University community. Security alerts are based on information reported to the University of Chicago Police Department. The reported information may not have been investigated or confirmed at the time the security alert was issued.

  • Physical descriptions of a suspect, including race, are included in security alerts only when they provide several details that might help distinguish the suspect's appearance from the general population.

  • Comments or suggestions about security-related issues should be directed to: ucpd-pio@uchicago.edu.

Please Note

The University of Chicago Police Department patrol area boundaries are 37th Street on the north to 65th Street on the south/Cottage Grove Avenue to Lake Shore Drive (39th Street to 60thStreet)/Evans Avenue to Stony Island Avenue (61st Street to 64th Street)/65th Street (Ellis Avenue to University Avenue).