Grad Student Assaulted, Robbed Near Div. School

A Harvard University graduate student was robbed Wednesday night on Bryant Street near the Divinity School, Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) spokesperson Peggy McNamara said yesterday.

According to the Cambridge police log, the victim claimed the suspects punched him in the head and took $120, a crime classified as unarmed robbery, larceny and assault and battery.

As of last night, HUPD and the Cambridge police had not issued a community advisory about the incident, which occurred off University property.

McNamara could not definitively say whether an advisory would be issued because the incident is under Cambridge police jurisdiction.

"We have to work with the Cambridge police on this one," McNamara said. "We can suggest [a community advisory]."

However, she said the situation was still under evaluation and HUPD aims to issue community advisories 24 to 48 hours after an incident occurs.

McNamara would not release further details about the incident because it is not under HUPD jurisdiction.

The Cambridge Police Department was unavailable for comment.

Despite Wednesday's robbery, some Harvard undergraduates said they feel safe walking through Cambridge.

"I walk back to the Quad at night and for the most part it's pretty safe," said Cabot House resident Jason W. Keck '99. "I don't think I'd feel as safe if I was a single girl."

For other students, safety is an issue of common sense.

"I feel pretty safe walking through Cambridge," said Rachel Perez '99. Perez said she has walked around the Divinity School area, though not at night.

"People need to be smart about it," Perez said. "They can't just walk around by themselves at night in areas that aren't well-lit. Stuff like [this incident] happens anywhere. People just need to be really aware of their surroundings at night."