A pair of armed robberies that included a victim being pistol whipped near Santa Clara University has put the campus on alert.
The incidents occurred at around 1 a.m. Saturday. The first robbery was reported on campus at the parking lot of Schott Stadium, 443 El Camino Real, when three suspects approached a victim.
Police said two of the suspects were armed with handguns and demanded the victim's property. The victim gave up his cell phone and wallet, and the suspects fled after.
A few minutes later, and just a few blocks away, another armed robbery was reported at Park Avenue and Mission Street -- this time involving three victims.
The victims were approached by three gunmen, who demanded property.
"During that robbery one of the victims was knocked to the ground and struck with a weapon," Santa Clara Police Lt. Kurt Clarke said.
The suspects took a cell phone and wallet from one of the victims before they fled the area.
Police said it appears the suspects were the same in both attacks. They are described as three African American males in hooded sweatshirts, and all about 25 years old.
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The university sent students a text alert to students about the incidents.
"One of the robberies happened right down the street from me," student Brenna Hennessey said. "It's scary to learn this happened so close to where we live."
The university on Monday issued the following statement: "While crime on campus is extremely rare the campus community is encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and travel in groups at night."
Police in response have beefed up patrols of the area.
Anyone with information on the armed robberies may contact police at 408-615-4814.
