Caution urged after two armed robberies reported south of campus Monday

Bellingham Police are investigating two armed robberies that occurred in the Happy Valley neighborhood just south of the Western Washington University campus on Monday, Nov. 8.

The first incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the vicinity of 25th Street and Taylor Avenue. A female WWU student was robbed of her backpack by an armed individual described as an Asian male in his 20s, with short hair, about 5’8” tall, wearing blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a blue jacket.

At about 4 p.m. a male WWU student was walking on a trail in the vicinity of 23rd Street and Douglas Avenue when he was accosted by two individuals who tried to take his backpack. At least one of the individuals was armed with a handgun, which discharged, slightly injuring the student. The two suspects are described as Asian males in their 20s, one of them matching the description of the suspect in the earlier incident. The other was wearing a yellow windbreaker.

Anyone who may have any information about either of these incidents or who may recognize the descriptions of the two suspects is asked to call Bellingham Police detectives at (360) 778-8687.

University Police will be expanding patrols to include the Happy Valley neighborhood.

University Police and Bellingham Police encourage community members to be diligent about their personal safety and encourage students and others to walk in groups, avoid trails, walk in lighted areas wherever possible and to be alert to their surroundings at all times.

Crime prevention information, including personal safety tips, is available on the University Police website.

The university provides an escort service using public safety assistants ("Greencoats"), who are available to enhance safety during evening hours by escorting community members on campus. This service is available by calling University Police at (360) 650-3555.