Grad Student Is Victim of Back-to-Back Robberies

A male Harvard graduate student was the victim of two separate armed robberies while walking down Cambridge Street at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, according to a community advisory released by the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD).

The victim—whose name was not released by police—reported that as he was walking from Inman Square towards the Harvard campus, he was struck in the head and knocked to the ground. When he recovered, he was surrounded by four males, who proceeded to rob him of his cell phone, iPod, and wallet.

Shortly after the first incident, the victim was robbed again as he continued walking down Cambridge Street. After asking the victim for a cigarette, a male approached the victim from behind and put a knife to the victim’s throat, demanding his money.

When the victim told the suspect that, having just been robbed, he had no money, the suspect searched the victim and eventually let him go.

The victim managed to escape both robberies without any serious injuries, according to HUPD Spokesman Steven G. Catalano.

“[The victim] had a couple bumps and abrasions,” said Catalano. “An ambulance responded, assessed the victim, and left. He did not have to go to the hospital.”

Because the incidents did not take place on Harvard University property, they are being investigated by the Cambridge Police Department (CPD).

The CPD press office could not be reached for comment.