A 20-year-old University student reported he was robbed at gunpoint by an unidentified man on Thursday afternoon in the parking lot at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Gregory Street.

The victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was coming back from the library. "I had office hours," he said.

The victim said the suspect was a black man in his late 20s or early 30s, about 5'9", 220 lbs., had braids and crooked teeth.

"He took my money, change and earrings," the victim said. "He said he's killed before and he'd do it again."

The victim said the police had heard the same description from other crimes in the neighborhood.

University police Sgt. Joan Fiesta said she had no information on the suspect.

"If the opportunity presents itself, (students) can become a victim of crime," Fiesta said. "We can't stop all crime."

Fiesta encouraged students to know where all the emergency posts are located on campus.

"We encourage them to call," Fiesta said. "That's what we're here for. We're more than happy to take calls."

She said to stay alert, walk in groups in populated areas and not to fight back.

"You don't need to be a hero," she said. "We can replace money and jewelry but not ourselves."

Fiesta said it is also usually a good idea to stay at the scene of the crime after it happens if you are no longer in danger.

"Once the person is leaving, draw attention to yourself," Fiesta said. "You want to create a witness-rich environment — we rely heavily on witnesses."

University police were continuing to question possible witnesses Thursday evening.