Two victims were held at gun point Wednesday while three armed men stole over $2,700 worth of merchandise from the victims’ fifth-floor room in Gallucci Hall.

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Two victims were held at gun point Wednesday while three armed men stole over $2,700 worth of merchandise from the victims’ fifth-floor room in Gallucci Hall.

Victims Jamie Underwood and Stuart Helmuth, both of Plain City, Ohio, were not injured during the robbery. The University reports that security is being increased and the case is being taken seriously.  

A fifth-floor resident of Gallucci Hall who wished to remain anonymous talked about the crime and the police response.

I don’t like that guns can just be brought in like that, said the resident. Before [the crime] people just kind of walked in.

The armed suspects were able to enter the building due to a weakness in security and demonstrate the state of student safety.

Laura Massie, director of Media Relations said, The police are still trying to determine [how they got in].

The suspects might have just kind of walked in under the noses of police, despite a branch of the UAPD located in Gallucci Hall – just inside the residence doors – and security cameras throughout the building.

One Gallucci desk worker stated that, as a security measure, Gallucci residents are now limited to one guest per person.

The fifth-floor resident stated that the desk workers are paying more attention to who they let in the building. Police have a stronger presence and are patrolling the building regularly.

I don’t feel as safe as I did, but I don’t feel in danger. It is definitely scary that this happened, said the resident.

The items stolen included a smart phone, two laptops, an Xbox and Xbox accessories. The suspects, who remain at large, are charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, theft and aggravated menacing.

Crimes involving a weapon are infrequent at The University of Akron. The most recent crime like this occurred seven years ago.

If anyone has any information regarding the incident, they can anonymously text information to 274637 (CRIMES) and begin the text with ZIPTIP. Information can also be submitted anonymously online using their confidential submission form at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=556 or their general information page at http://www.uakron.edu/safety/ziptip.dot

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