Cornell University police and Campus Life staff are alerting students and other members of the community on and off campus that an armed robbery occurred at the Trolley footbridge late Monday evening, Oct. 23, and they should take extra precautions.

According to a report by Ithaca Police, a white female undergraduate says that as she was walking across the footbridge at about 11 p.m. Oct. 23, she was approached by two males who had been standing on the bridge, which connects the Cornell campus to Collegetown. One of the males displayed a handgun and ordered the victim not to move. The suspects took the victim's wallet and backpack and left the scene, walking north onto the campus. She was not injured.

The victim, aided by a passerby, quickly contacted Cornell Police, who alerted Ithaca Police. Both departments conducted a search of the area. The victim's backpack was recovered a short distance from the crime scene.

Suspects are described as males wearing dark baggy pants and dark hooded sweatshirts.

Cornell police are distributing to students via e-mail, posters and flyers a crime alert advising everyone "to be alert for individuals loitering on footbridges, sidewalks and paths. Any suspicious or criminal activity should be reported immediately to the Cornell police by dialing 911 or using a blue light telephone."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Cornell police at 255-1111 or Ithaca police at 272-3245.