Good morning,
The Durham Police Department released information last week about a sexual assault that happened on Swift Ave between Campus Drive and Duke University Drive. On November 30 at approximately 10:00 a.m. a male suspect pulled a knife on a female victim, who was walking on Swift Ave, sexually assaulted her and took her debit card. The suspect is described as a black male in his late teens to mid-20s wearing jeans, a gray T-shirt and a black flight jacket with a hood. He was approximately 5 feet 9 inches to six feet tall and was clean-shaven. A photo of a male using the victim’s debit card at a local store is attached.
Also, Duke University Police are investigating a robbery that happened in Duke Gardens on December 10th around 12:24 p.m. This suspect used a knife and taser during the robbery. Although the race was not released, the suspect is described as standing 6 feet tall with a thin to medium build. He was reportedly in his late 30s, clean-shaven, with short to medium hair. The victim told police the suspect was wearing a black sweatshirt with white lettering on the front and dark blue jeans. If you have any information please contact Duke Police at (919) 684-2444.
At this time it is not known if these two cases are related.
The National Crime Prevention Council has the following tips related to personal safety:
– Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted
– When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.
– Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.
– Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
– If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
– Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.
– Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.
– Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
– Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.
– If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.
– If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately.
– Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim
I have attached a robbery prevention flyer and a photo of the suspect from the November 30th assault/robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.
Please be safe and if you see something suspicious call 911. Lets look out for our neighbors.
Captain M. K. Bond
Executive Officer to the Chief of Police
Durham Police Department
505 W. Chapel Hill Street
Durham, NC 27701
O: 919-560-4322 (*29202)
F: 919-560-4971
marianne.bond@durhamnc.gov
Hello Jeff, these messages are really not helpful. All that they do is promote an atmosphere of fear. I really don’t want to receive these messages directly from police department on this list anymore. This most recent stuff was not even near our neighborhood, so why was it sent out? I understand us being vigilant and protecting our neighbors, but these type of borderline racist alarming messages don’t give us any insight into what is our role, as regular people, to look after ourselves. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the police themselves perpetrated some of the violence. Why was there no message sent out to the community list serve when Frank Clark, a dedicated city employee, was shot and killed by Durham police a few weeks ago? It seems the messages you send are skewed in a direction I have strong reservations about. Let’s promote community unity through fighting racism, not by promoting it. If you can hold off on forwarding these police reports ( especially when incomplete , and no guidance for residents) out to the list. Dante Strobino, 2400 Yorkdale Ct.
Greetings Neighbor,
With all due respect to your opinion, which you are entitled to express, I believe you overlooking the precautionary subject of the message. The reported incident occurred within the PAC3 district (which this neighborhood is a member of) and provided very useful tips on personal safety which counters your argument that no message was given no how to look after ourselves.
The message gives the facts of the incident and does not add any racist innuendo in the message.
To your point on the unfortunate incident involving Frank Clark the incident occurred outside of the PAC3 district so no message was release by PAC3 police.
The neighborhood watch team is color blind to all reported incidents in PAC3 and our sole interest is in the safety and well being of all our neighbors. Keeping neighbors informed of information released by PAC3 is one method on how we strive to promote safety and awareness.