BY KIM BATES
On the morning of Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, Drake students received an email from Scott Law concerning events that took place over the weekend. The information in the email is provided below.
“Early this morning Drake Public Safety became aware of one attempted armed robbery and one-armed robbery near Drake West Village and Peggy’s. In both cases an unidentified male, armed with what appears to have been a gun, confronted Drake students. The Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) responded to the reported incident at Peggy’s and conducted a search of the area. Since the suspect had fled away from campus and we had a limited description no Bulldog Alert was issued at the time. Both Drake Public Safety and Des Moines Police increased patrols in the area following the report,” Law stated in the email.
On the evening of Oct. 22, 2018, at roughly 9:13 p.m., Drake students, once again received a warning. A “possible armed robbery” occurred at Fernando’s restaurant on University Ave. near Drake University.
Many students received a Bulldog Alert in the form of an email, text message and automated phone call.
“Bulldog Alert: DPS has been informed of a possible armed robbery of Fernando’s restaurant. We are asking all Drake students to stay clear of the area,” the Bulldog Alert said.
Around 9:41 p.m., students received a follow-up Bulldog Alert.
“Bulldog Alert: DMPD is still investigating the incident at Fernando’s. We ask that members of the community remain vigilant and report anything unusual,” said the following message.
Students also received an email asking them to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. Following this incident, Drake Public Safety and Des Moines Police Department will maintain an increased presence on the Drake campus.
As of the morning of Oct. 23 2018, further information is unavailable. Details on who committed the crimes, if they’re connected and if anyone was hurt has not yet been made public by the Des Moines Police Department. The DMPD are the leading investigators in this situation.
“My guess since it is an ongoing investigation by the DMPD is that they would not share that information at this time. I would also assume that the reports that you can pay to get from them at DMPD HQ are not available as of yet since Detectives are presently working on them,” Law said. Law is the Executive Director of Campus Public Safety and Operational Services.
The Times-Delphic reached out to Fernando’s Restaurant and Peggy’s Tavern about the events and have not received comments as of yet.
