Student not slowed down by armed robber

AUSTIN (KXAN) - University of Texas police are investigating the first reported armed robbery of the year on campus.

"Be cognizant," said Jimmy Talarico. "But it's no reason to be freaked out or being worried when you're walking around."

The words of advice came from the very student who was attacked less than 24 hours ago.

"It happened within 20 seconds I'm sure, but it seemed like forever," said Talarico.

The third-year UT student was leaving a late Student Government meeting at the Student Services Building just before midnight Sunday. He had phoned a friend for help with the parking ticket machine in the 27th Street Parking Garage near the corner of Speedway Avenue.

"I turned around, and there was a young man who had a gun to my face and was asking if I had any money," said Talarico. "And so I took everything out of my wallet and immediately kind of turned around and hit the ground."

The armed robber snatched his i-Phone and wallet filled with credit cards but no cash.

"He said, 'Don't tell anybody,' and then he threw back my keys to make sure I got home OK," said Talarico with a laugh. "Which I thought that was a nice little act of kindness."

A surveillance camera was pointed toward the entrance. Det. Michael Riojas said the video was not clear enough to see the suspect's face but caught enough to confirm the student's story.

"For that to happen was surprising, shocking, and extremely terrifying," said Talarico.

University police said they believe the armed robber struck twice. Some 15 minutes earlier, a man said he was held an gunpoint while he was talking on his cell phone near the corner of West 29th and Salado streets.

"A lot of times when people are out and about on the phone, they're really not paying attention to what's going on around them," said Riojas.

Both men gave Austin police the same suspect description:

• Hispanic man
• 18-  to 21 years old
• 5 feet 6 inches- to 5 feet 9 inches tall
• Small build
• Wearing jeans, black shirt and a baseball cap

Police urge students to be aware of their surroundings and to walk in pairs. They also advise students to stop listening to iPods and talking on cell phones at night so they will not be caught off guard.

Anyone with information is asked to call UTPD (512) 471-4441.