Two suspects allegedly robbed a homeless man in the courtyard of the AACC Glen Burnie Town Center location at 5:45 p.m. on April 25.

AACC Police Chief Sean Kapfhammer said it was GBTC’s second armed robbery in two years.

According to Sergeant Jacklyn Davis, director of media relations for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, last Thursday county officers responded to a report of armed robbery in the area.

“Upon arrival, the victim stated he was hanging out in the court in front of the [AACC] building when he was approached by a male and a female,” Davis said. “The male produced a knife and took personal items. Officers canvassed the area, but were unable to locate the suspects.”

“We provided some video footage to the county of what we had, but since we’re not actually handling the case we don’t have much more than that,” said Kapfhammer. “However, we are still required to report [the incident] to the campus community.”

Kapfhammer said because the incident occurred in a “gray area” just outside of AACC property, it had to be reported to Anne Arundel County Police Department for investigation.

“The courtyard does not belong to us,” he said. “It does not sit on our property; [however], we are required to report incidents in the courtyard because it is contiguous to our property.”

“A campus police officer sits at the security desk [at GBTC],” Kapfhammer said. “And there is a county police substation right next to it. They’re not always in there but oftentimes they might be in there writing reports or things of that nature.”

“We usually have a cop sitting out in the little quad area kind of keeping an eye on things,” added Christine Hunter, an AACC police officer stationed at GBTC. “They’re usually there more as it starts getting darker.”

Alex Ordansa, AACC alum and GBTC tech lab assistant, witnessed the county police investigation on the day of the robbery.

“I leave at seven,” he said. “So, they [the officers] probably started before that. I don’t know when.”

“I walked out the building and saw there was an officer there, so I decided to be nosy and ask [what happened],” Ordansa said. “I saw another one walking around outside [questioning people]; three were inside the building reviewing tape material, I suppose, from the cameras.”

He said he was surprised someone was robbed in the courtyard when “it was still daylight out. It doesn’t get dark until late now.”

“We do have drug activity and homeless folks out there,” Hunter said. “[It] usually takes place around the ice rink area.”

Bethlehem Solomon, a first-year nursing student, said she wasn’t aware of the robbery but makes it a habit not to stay too late at GBTC whenever she needed to do work in the computer lab. And if she did have to stay late, she made sure not to walk back to the parking garage alone.

“We provide escorts if you are alone and don’t feel safe,” Hunter said. “Call 410-777-1818 for an escort if you don’t feel safe going to your car alone.”

“Definitely be aware of your surroundings,” Hunter said. “Make sure you’re not on your phone and make sure you’re paying attention.”

Kapfhammer also stressed the importance of not being on your phone when walking late at night because it could make you a target.

“Don’t have your cell phone in your hand,” he said. “Someone may try to rob you … or snatch the cell phone from you. Cell phones are worth a lot of money … I think it makes you an easy target.”

Jon Inesco, a literacy program tutor and adjunct instructor, also advises his students not to walk alone at night when leaving GBTC.

However, despite receiving an email about the robbery, he continues to walk alone himself after class. This is despite admitting to never seeing police patrol the area outside the building.

The students, instructors and staff interviewed all reported seeing a police car parked in the courtyard but never seeing an officer either in or out of the vehicle. Still, none were bothered by it.

“I live in Glen Burnie,” said AACC alumni and UMBC student Vincent Moreland. “Besides, two robberies in two years really isn’t that many.”

The police chief agreed.

“I will say serious crimes are very far few between on any of our campuses,” Kapfhammer said. “Petty theft is the most common and is infrequent.”

Yet, he still advises students to take care of themselves and stay safe.

“As far as Glen Burnie Town Center [goes], just like any where else if you’re taking a late class, be aware of your surroundings. And if you want someone to walk you to your car, just call us at 1818 and the officer will be glad to.”

Satish Gamire, a mechanical engineering student, added sadly, “It’s college, so no one expects to be robbed until it actually happens. Then people become more aware.”