Suspects arrested for fall robberies
By NATASHA GRANT
News Writer
Two suspects were arrested Jan. 22 for two robberies that took place Sept. 6 and 12 on Notre Dame's South Quad, according to Notre Dame Security Police. Chuck Hurley, assistant director of NDSP, said he is fairly confident that the suspects apprehended are indeed the individuals who committed the robberies.
"We feel relatively certain that one of the persons involved in the robbery on Sept. 6 was also involved in the robbery the following week on Sept. 12," said Hurley. Because the suspects are both minors, ages 15 and 16, they are currently being held at the Saint Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center.
While the victim in the first robbery, which occurred outside Fisher Hall, did not see the suspect, the victim in the second robbery, which took place outside the Rockne Memorial, was able to make an identification of the suspect, said Hurley.
Both victims reported that their attackers demanded money from them.
Hurley said that NDSP presented the cases to the prosecutor's office where charges were received and arrests were made Wednesday. Though NDSP has investigated both individuals since last fall, the suspects have just now been arrested and charged because police needed a warrant to arrest the two men, which had to be authorized by the prosecutor's office.
The reason for the delay in charging the suspects, according to Hurley, was likely the change of county prosecutors that occurred after the November elections when former prosecutor Christopher Toth was voted out of office and replaced by Michael Dvorak.
"The case was presented to the prosecutor's office last November," said Hurley. "When the new prosecutor came in last November they reviewed that case and charges were filed. The current prosecutor gave us the authority to make the arrests."
Both suspects were charged with a class C felony. Whether or not the case goes to trial will depend on the cooperation of the suspects and the plea that each enters. Hearing dates for both suspects have not yet been set, Hurley said.
All News Stories for Monday, January 27, 2003
