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Davis

Davis, California

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Recent assaults remain unsolved

On the second day of the new year, Davis was struck with two robberies and assaults.

The first incident took place at roughly 1:50 a.m. on Sunday Jan. 2. Andreas Tegle, Ole Haug and Joergen Russwurn, 21-year-old Norwegian exchange students, were walking home from G Street Pub. The group was near 3rd and F Street when they were assaulted and robbed from behind by what was described as six to eight African American men.

The suspects got away in two vehicles, described as a white sedan and a tan SUV.

All three of the students sustained minor injuries. One of the victims had his cell phone damaged and another had his cell phone stolen.

“I got quite a few hits to the head, and as they were attacking me they reached into my pocket and grabbed my phone before they disappeared,” said Tegle in an e-mail, and who is still without a phone.

“My view of Davis hasn’t changed. People here are great. But I am more careful of where I go when I am out when it is getting late,” he said.

The second incident took place around 2 a.m. near College Park and Russell Boulevard. Two males in their mid-twenties were assaulted and robbed by a group of eight to 10 men.

One victim was punched in the face and the other had his wallet stolen.

The suspects in this incident were described as mostly Latino men and one African American man. They got away in what was described as a white sedan.

According to Lieutenant Paul Doroshov, public information officer with the Davis Police Department, no new developments have emerged in the case.

“Davis Police are actively investigating and following up on leads, but at this point there is nothing to report,” Doroshov said.

Davis Police believe that the two incidents may be related because of the time frame and proximity in which they happened, as well as the white sedan that was described as the escape vehicle in both situations.

While the case is still under investigation, Doroshov offered advice as to what one should do if ever in a similar situation.

“If someone is confronted with violence, no property is worth someone’s safety. Travel in groups downtown late at night, be aware of your surroundings and don’t walk alone,” Doroshov said.

Incidents likes these still seem to come as a surprise for many Davis students.

However, Rachel Seymour, sophomore English and film studies double major, did not seem phased by the incidents.

“Something like this can happen anywhere when you think about it. The thing everyone needs to know is to be cautious whenever it’s dark. Generally, I feel safe in Davis. This incident will probably put me on guard a bit, but it won’t stop me from living my life,” Seymour said.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Davis Police Investigations Division by calling 747-5400.

ANNABEL SANDHU can be reached at city@theaggie.org.

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