University of Mississippi student and journalism senior Jared Burleson was robbed at University Trials apartments Tuesday night.
“I was leaving the building when I saw a girl I knew pass by me,” Burleson said. “I turned to say hello to her and this man was standing right behind me.”
Burleson said he felt the man following him.
“He looked right at me and I continued to walk straight to my car,” he said.
“I turned around and a gun was pointed at my face. The robber hit me on the side of the head with it. I fell to the ground and he put his hand on my back and held me in front of my car.”
Burleson described the robber as a 6-foot-tall black male who appeared to be in his mid-20s and was wearing a dark hoodie and dark pants.
The suspect asked Burleson for his wallet, which was empty. Burleson then told the robber that all he had was a camera.
“He asked what was in my bag, and I told him that there was a camera in there,” Burleson said. “I told him to just take it.”
The camera was not actually Burleson’s, but belonged to his friend Seth Wilson, a linguistics senior. Wilson was upset about the loss of the $1,400 of camera equipment but was more worried about his friend’s life.
“I am just glad that Jared is safe,” Wilson said. “It was a small price to pay for my friend’s life. The police said there was a small chance that I would get my stuff back, but we contacted all of the local pawn shops and they are aware and have my camera’s serial number.”
In wake of the robbery, Burleson said he is grateful to be alive.
“Tuesday night was the night before my birthday,” he said. “I am glad that I made it to see 23.”
Oxford Police Department (OPD) is currently investigating the robbery. OPD Assistant Chief Joey East confirmed that measures are being taken regarding the incident.
“The investigation started last night the moment the report was called in,” East said. “Police and investigators came to the scene, and we are working on it now until we solve the case.”
East advised others to stay safe to prevent situations like this in the future.
“Rely on your instincts,” he said. “(Burleson) stated that he felt something wasn’t right. He didn’t like the way this person was looking at him.”
East continued by warning others to be cautious.
“Have a friend walk with you or go back to where you were coming from if something doesn’t feel right,” he said. “Be aware of your surroundings.”
University Trails released an email to its residents Wednesday, urging them to lock doors and windows and to report suspicious behavior to the complex’s security officer. ”
Anyone with information relevant to the case is urged to call OPD.
