Posted: 4/5/07 Section: News

University police believe an armed robbery that occurred early Wednesday is connected to similar crimes reported last weekend.

"From the information I have, I think they are related," said Lt. Roy Acree of the University Police.

University police confirmed Wednesday that the robbery occurred at the 600 block of East Clark Street in Champaign.

"The big thing is to make sure that people are watchful," Acree said. "Don't walk alone."

No suspects have been apprehended for the four armed robberies over the weekend, he said.

The previous crimes took place at: Illini Grove; Wright and White streets; Locust and Chalmers streets; and Busey Avenue and Nevada Street.

According to a mass e-mail sent by University Police Chief Krystal Fitzpatrick on Saturday, two men were involved in each incident.

University Police Sgt. Brad Shock said one of the men would approach a victim and ask for the time to distract them. He would then pull a gun and demand valuables.

The e-mail described the man holding the gun as a black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall and heavyset, wearing all black clothing.

The second suspect is described as a black male, thin and approximately 6 feet and 1 inches tall.

Ryan Davis and Danielle Gaines contributed to this report.

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