Police Step Up Patrols At UNH After Attempted Robbery On Campus

Durham, N.H. (CBS) - University of New Hampshire students are on alert after an attempted robbery on campus.

Police say a man approached a female student near the walking trails behind the Memorial Union Building at around 10:15 p.m. Friday. The suspect demanded that the victim empty her pockets and hand over her wallet, taking only her I.D.

The student was able to scare off the suspect after pulling out a knife.

"I would just run away. If he's on me, I'll have to fight back – even unarmed," said student Althea Ansah.

The suspect dropped the woman's I.D. and ran away. UNH Police are searching for the suspect, described as a tall white man with a thin build who was wearing glasses and a dark sweatshirt at the time.

Students told WBZ-TV they're keeping a closer eye on their surroundings.

"Honestly, I was in the gym today and I was thinking any of these guys could've been the guy," said Ryan Donaway.

The attempted robbery happened near a wooded walking trail that sees heavy foot traffic. One UNH student says she's taking extra safety precautions, especially late at night.

"I have a lot of night classes that end around 9 and I go through the area where it happened, so it makes me want to stick closer to the path or walk with a group of people. I don't know what could be out there," said Anupreet Saini.

UNH Police have stepped up patrols in the area and are providing safety escorts for students who feel unsafe.