Tyler Police Investigate Aggravated Robbery

TYLER — One person is hospitalized after being beaten and robbed at the Varsity Place Apartments, 3400 Varsity Drive. It happened just before 1:45 Tuesday morning. Dearis Davis, 21, said he answered a knock at his door to find three masked black males, who forced their way at gunpoint and demanded cash. They are said to have struck the TJC student several times in the face and head with guns. He was seriously injured.

The suspects then entered into the room-mate’s room and forced him and his girlfriend into the bathroom during the robbery. The men allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area on foot.

Varsity Place Apartments is neither owned nor operated by the University of Texas at Tyler. But, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of Texas at Tyler Police Department is issuing the following timely notification bulletin:

“It is the policy of the University of Texas at Tyler to issue timely warnings for crimes occurring within the immediate vicinity of campus which, in the opinion of law enforcement, represent an ongoing danger to the campus community. Specifically, in this case, UT Tyler resident students are urged to always use caution prior to opening their doors when the person’s identity is unknown. If you are not aware of who is knocking, contact the University Police at (903) 566-7300. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to the University Police Department.”