Stony Brook University increases security after 2 robberies reported

Stony Brook University Police have stepped up patrols after three students reported they were victims of an attempted robbery early Tuesday on the north side of the main campus.

Campus police were already investigating the robbery of a student walking on a bike path in the same area late Sunday.

"There are similarities between the two incidents, including the location, as well as similar physical descriptions of the suspects, so we are certainly exploring the possibility that they are related," university police Chief Robert J. Lenahan said. "There are also some differences, so our investigation is considering all possibilities."

The latest incident occurred about 12:50 a.m. Two students who live on campus were walking a third student to his dorm when they were approached by two men near a bike path close to Circle Road near the athletic fields, police said.

The victims told police one of the suspects demanded money after he produced what was described as an airsoft BB pistol.

The suspects then fled toward Circle Road after the students told the robbers they had nothing to hand over.

Police said both suspects were wearing ski masks at the time, but they said the victims provided descriptions. The first suspect is described as about 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall, light complexion with light colored eyes, and between 18 to 21 years old. The second suspect is described as about 6-foot-1 to 6-foot-3 and between 18 to 21 years old.

There were no reported injuries. Police said there is no danger to the campus community.

Anyone with information about either of these incidents can call university police at 631-632-3333.