The first weekend of the fall 2012 semester went off with a bang – literally – after a Buffalo State
student was shot and several students were robbed in the neighborhoods surrounding campus.
In the first incident, Jabril Muhammad and two acquaintances were beaten and robbed by six men
around 11:23 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31. The incident occurred several blocks from campus, on the corner
of Grant Street and Potomac Avenue. Muhammad was shot in the arm when the students tried to run
from their attackers. He was taken to the Erie County Medical Center where he underwent surgery to
repair his arm.
In the second incident, approximately four and a half hours later, at 3:50 a.m. on Sept. 1, an unidentified
female student was robbed while walking with a friend near the intersection of Richmond Avenue and
Dorchester Road. No weapons were used in this incident, and the two women had their purses stolen.
Students received several safety advisories on the incidents, which remind students to be aware of their
surroundings at all times and to travel with a companion.
At this time, no arrests have been made in either case, although the Buffalo Police Department is
investigating, said Peter Carey, chief of police of the University Police Department.
In the aftermath of both incidents, patrols on the following weekend were increased by both the
University Police Department and the Buffalo Police Department, Carey said. How long the beefed-up
patrol lasts depends on factors like the weather, Carey said, as warmer weather brings more people out
late at night.
The Buffalo Police Department and the University Police Department have a good working relationship,
and assist each other when needed, Carey said. The sentiment was echoed by Buffalo Police
spokesperson Mike DeGeorge, who also said Buffalo police step up patrols with the beginning of the
new semester.
“At the start of each school year, Buffalo police add additional patrols near the campus to provide safety
for students and residents,” he said. “Buffalo police also work closely with campus security.”
For now, students are reminded to pay attention and stay alert, and stay off of devices that may distract
them, like cell phones and iPods, Carey said.
Added DeGeorge, “We want to remind all students to be vigilant, travel in groups, and to be aware of
your surroundings.”
Michael Canfield can be reached by email at canfield.record@live.com.