Before recent robbery - a shooting near Marquette student housing, so why weren't students notified?



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Some students on the Marquette University campus say they're concerned. They received an emergency alert -- notifying them that a student was robbed late Sunday, September 14th -- but some students say they're curious as to why they didn't receive an alert on Friday night, September 12th -- when a shooting occurred near student housing.

Officials with Marquette's Department of Public Safety tell FOX6 News they determine whether to send out an email and text alert to students based on the location of a crime, and whether there is still an active threat to students and staff members.

In the case of a robbery in which a Marquette student was targeted late Sunday, students received an alert.

Officials say the robbery took place just before 9:30 p.m. near 16th and Clybourn. Two suspects jumped out of a vehicle, removed property from the victim and fled the scene. The victim was not hurt.

Suspect #1 is described as a male, Hispanic with black, spiked hair. He is 25-30 years old, standing about 5'6" and weighing between 160 and 175 pounds. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

Suspect #2 is described as a male, Hispanic, 20-30 years old. He stood about 5'8" and weighed roughly 175 - 180 pounds.

The vehicle the suspects were driving was described as a dark-colored, four-door sedan with visible rust. Anyone who may see anyone matching these descriptions is encouraged to contact the Department of Public Safety at 414-288-1911.

As for why students were not notified via text/email alert when a shooting occurred near student housing, Department of Public Safety officials tell FOX6 News the reason is because police already had suspects in custody.

Regardless, some students say they feel they still should have been notified.

Milwaukee police say a 28-year-old man was shot as he was driving down State Street on Friday night. He crashed near 17th and State.

It happened a few doors down from where Marquette University juniors Hannah Govednik and Nety Park live. It's also the scene of a robbery involving a Marquette student -- occurring a few weeks ago.

Govednik and Park say after three years attending Marquette, getting safety alerts is part of their college routine.

"It happens a lot so I just sort of skip it, skip the email," the girls said.

The girls say they weren't alerted to the shooting incident. The Department of Public Safety says that's because no student was involved, and police were able to quickly take the suspects into custody.

Marquette student Brittany Hurley says she heard the gunshots -- and was expecting an update from school officials.

"Even if it didn`t involve a student," Hurley said.

Hurley says she didn't get an update until she contacted the school through Twitter.

"They tweeted directly at me, and - here's an update," Hurley said.

Hurley says she's relieved no students were injured -- but says an "all clear" would have helped to prevent the headache she now has with Marquette.

"They knew what was going on, but we just knew someone was shot outside and we had the right to know," Hurley said.

Marquette's Department of Public Safety did post information about the shooting on its website -- but didn't go as far as to send text or email alerts directly to students since there was no immediate threat.



In the wake of the recent shooting and robbery, all Marquette students, faculty, staff, guests and visitors are reminded to:


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