Samo student assaulted near campus

Danny Karel andOwen KneelandStaff WritersA Samo student was reportedly assaulted while walking towards campus on Sixth and Bay the morning of Oct. 21.According to the police statement, a male and female drove up next to the student in a car, and demanded her backpack. The student reported that when she refused to comply with their request, an altercation ensued in which the student received a minor cut to her face. Samo senior Niki Gabbay found the victim as she made her way to campus.“She looked shaken up when I found her,” Gabbay said. “I grabbed her and ran across Pico to get her to the security guards.”According to Gabbay the security guards quickly contacted the police, who arrived to provide assistance within minutes.Upon arrival on campus, the student was rushed to the hospital, where she received three stitches.Shortly after the incident, a Santa Monica College student was robbed on 14th and Michigan. According to police, Police arrested a male suspect and two female suspectsThe Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) released a statement on Oct. 22 announcing the Oct. 21 arrest of a juvenile, a male and two females suspects they believe are responsible for both incidents.The SMPD have also released recommendations for students and their parents regarding safety. Superintendent Tim Cueno notified all SMMUSD families via email about both incidents and the subsequent arrests.According to SMPD they are making an effort to improve campus safety.“We’re looking to better our protection on campus by adding more security guards, and to be on the look out for any suspicious behavior or activities,” School security guard Tiani Thompson said, “Student safety is the most important priority at this moment, especially since these events have occurred.”Officer Jaen of the SMPD gave further safety recommendations for students who may find themselves in a similar situation.“Try to always be aware of your surroundings,” Jaen said. “Trust your instincts, and if you see something unusual try to report it to the non-emergency hotline.”Jaen also suggests that students try to be good witnesses if they find themselves in a threatening situation.“Try to identify key aspects of the perpetrator, like hair color, eye color, and what weapon they might be wielding,” she said.Thompson urges students to be aware of their surroundings and to stay safe.“It’s important for students to be alert at all times,” Thompson said. “If someone tries to attack you and take your things, just give them what they want. It’s not worth getting hurt.”Students can contact the SMPD non-emergency hotline by calling 310-458-8491.dkarel@thesamohi.comokneeland@thesamohi.com