By
Kristopher Califano
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Suspects have not been caught
The University of Arizona Police Department is searching for three men who beat and robbed two students early Friday morning near a university gas station.
Just before 2 a.m., two white Coronado residents were walking from the residence hall, 822 E. Fifth St., to the Texaco Service Station, 501 N. Park Ave, when three black men offered to sell them marijuana. The students ignored the men and continued walking.
"It is unknown whether they had drugs or it was a ploy to lure people close to the vehicle," said UA Police Sgt. Mike Smith.
The three men left their Geo Metro and attacked the two students. One of the students was punched in the face once, and the other was struck seven times in the face and chest.
"At this point, we do not believe that the crime was racially driven," Smith said.
One of the victims ran into the Texaco while the other ran to Coronado to get help.
"I got a bunch of friends and was back at Texaco in twenty seconds," said one of the victims.
Witnesses called police when they saw a black man wearing a white bandana reach into the student's pocket and take a wallet while another suspect punched him.
Police and the Tucson Fire Department arrived on the scene at 2 a.m., just after the suspects had left westbound through the parking lot south of Arizona- Sonora Residence Hall, 910 E. Fifth Street.
The student who was repeatedly hit had bruises on his cheeks and lips.
"He had a swollen lip, swollen face and a cut above his lip," said the student who was robbed. "He still has a black eye."
One of the victims told officers that they could identify the suspects and would assist police in creating a composite sketch of the men.
"The Texaco is a high profile location because it is open 24 hours and is a magnet for people who are out late at night," Smith said. "Alcohol can also be a part in it."
The students told police that if the subjects are caught they are willing to press charges.
"I don't believe it was racially inspired, but its stupid to target students so close to the residence hall," one of the victims said.
