Brookline Police Investigating Two Armed Robberies Near BU

Brookline MA

22 September, 2021

3:25 PM

Description

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline police are investigating two armed robberies that took place near Boston University and are asking residents to remain cautious while walking alone or at night. Police said the latest incident took place around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, when the department responded to call for a robbery on Browne St. near Pleasant St. A woman told police she was walking on Pleasant St. when she was approached by two young men, one of whom asked her for the time. When she took her phone out of her purse to look at the time, the suspect attempted to grab the phone from her hands, but was not strong enough to take it. The victim suffered a cut to her left index finger during the altercation from what she believed to be a knife, but did not see a weapon. The woman said the two suspects then began walking away from her when she saw a third suspect heading in her direction. The three young men then began walking towards her again, but fled when she tan towards a delivery driver for help. The suspect who attempted to take the victim's phone was described as a young male, about 11 or 12 years old. The victim said he had curly black hair, stood about 5 feet 2 inches tall, and was wearing all black clothing. The other two suspects were described as teen males, standing approximately 6 feet tall and also wearing all black clothing. Police said it is unclear if the Sept. 14 robbery is related to a nearby robbery that took place on Friday, Sept. 10 on Naples Rd. In that robbery, Brookline police responded to a call from Boston University police, who said one of their officers was flagged down on Comm Ave. by a victim of an armed robbery. The victim told police that two males approached him from behind and one asked for the time. When the victim pulled out his phone to check, one of the men snatched the phone from his hands. One suspect was described as wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and the other wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and baggy pants. One of the men was holding what the victim believed to be a firearm and ordered the victim to walk towards Comm Ave. The victim complied and the suspects fled in the direction of Gibbs St., said police. Police say no arrests have been made and no further information is available at this time. Brookline police shared several tips for staying safe when walking alone or at night, including planning a route and making sure someone knows your plan, walking with a friend when possible, limiting distractions, and remembering that property can be replaced. " Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts," said the Brookline Police Department in a Facebook post. "When walking alone at night, trust your gut. If you feel like an area or situation may be dangerous, don't wait around to find out. Stop and scan your surroundings if you think someone is following you. If you are being followed, walk as quickly as you can to a well-lit public place."