Update: On June 6, Kent Police provided the following update: Working in collaboration with Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, and an anonymous tip, Kent Police arrested and charged a 17-year-old suspect from Brimfield with Robbery.
Kent Police are seeking information about a man who robbed a local business May 27 leading to those on the Kent Campus being told to "shelter-in-place" for more than two hours.
Kent Police released the following press release:
"The Kent Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in our city yesterday evening. At approximately 7:45pm on Saturday May 27th, and unknown male entered Flash Vapes, pointed a gun at the clerk, and demanded money and merchandise. The suspect fled the area on foot, and Kent PD immediately began searching for the suspect. Police were unable to locate the suspect, but the investigation continues, and we have obtained photos of the suspect from store surveillance.
"Kent PD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect from these photographs. The suspect appears to be a light-skinned black male, and he was wearing a mask, and a black t-shirt with 'Cookies' printed on the front of the shirt. Anyone with any helpful information is asked to call Kent PD at (330) 673-7732."
Photos of the robbery were shared with local media.
The safety of our community remains the university's top priority. Cooperation and engagement of all students, faculty and staff in campus safety are our best defenses against crime.
Kent State Police patrol our campus 24 hours a day through vehicle, foot and bicycle patrol. There are more than 30 blue light phones stationed across campus in parking lots and along sidewalks that connect immediately with campus police. In addition, a safety escort service is available by calling 330-672-7004.