UB Police Arrest Suspect in Multiple Robberies

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- University at Buffalo Police today charged a 21-year-old Buffalo male with second-degree robbery and related charges following an early-morning robbery on the South Campus.

The suspect, Dandre Martin, allegedly robbed a student at gunpoint at about 6 a.m. today (Nov. 28, 2011) taking a cell phone as the student walked near Main Street on the South Campus.

The arrest of Martin followed a very timely report by the victim, who called UB police prior to the robbery to tell them he was being followed while walking.

UB police quickly responded to the call. After arresting Martin, they found the student's missing cell phone, along with property believed to be taken in three previous robberies in the Heights District neighborhood near the South Campus.

The robbery and arrest were captured on UB security cameras. The suspect's weapon turned out to be an imitation pistol, and the victim was unharmed.

University Police Chief Gerald Schoenle said the arrest should help reduce the risk of future robberies, and he noted this was the first robbery to have occurred on any UB campus this year.

"This is a great arrest by our department and the community," said Schoenle, "and will likely go a long way to reducing the robberies in the Heights neighborhood. "This individual appears to be responsible for several robberies in the community; we will continue to work with Buffalo Police investigators on the crimes that occurred off-campus in the Heights."

The arrest shows why students and other members of the campus community should continue to report suspicious activity as soon as possible to police, Schoenle said.

Martin was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of criminal possession of stolen property, obstructing government administration and resisting arrest.

Over the past few years, UB has installed hundreds of security cameras on the North and South campuses, along with new lighting and new emergency blue light phones, Schoenle noted.

"Crime on campus remains low, and the word is starting to get out about our enhanced security measures," said Schoenle. "Individuals committing crime on our campus likely will be videotaped by security cameras and will be arrested."

Martin was arrested by university police officers Russell Muff and Will Malican and assisted by Officers Bruce Pepi and Lt. Josh Sticht when he tried to escape while being searched.

Police reminded members of the UB community to stay alert to their surroundings and to walk with others, if possible. They also urged everyone to report any unusual circumstances or suspicious people and activities to police as soon as possible. If needed, use Walk Stations of the campus Safety Shuttles, or use other university transportation services.

For more information about Safety Services, call 716-829-2584 or go to http://sbihealtheducation.org.