Man robbed at Houston Hall

A man was robbed at gunpoint behind Houston Hall early yesterday morning, University Police said. University Police Sergeant Larry Salotti said this is the second robbery which has occurred behind Houston Hall in the past week. A male, who is not affiliated with the University, reported that his wallet -- which contained $150 cash and credit cards -- was taken at gunpoint at 2:25 a.m. yesterday by two males, Salotti said. The man sustained lacerations to his face in the attack, but refused medical treatment, Salotti said. Salotti said the two males -- one who was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, bald and armed with a gun and the other was described as having a thin build -- were last seen headed south onto Spruce Street. No arrests were made following the incident. Student groups have been calling for better lighting outside Houston Hall since last semester when a student was robbed at gunpoint by a youth behind the building. Prior to last week's robbery -- when a male was robbed at point of simulated weapon of $100 -- a female student was assaulted in the rear of Houston Hall and knocked to the ground. Salotti said that following this incident, a University Police officer will patrol the specific area where the incidents are taking place. Up to this point, an officer was assigned to handle the general area from 34th to 36th streets and from Spruce to Walnut streets. In an unrelated incident, a man attempted to rob four students who were walking near the corner of 38th and Walnut streets Saturday night, Salotti said. The students ran away after the would-be robber pointed a gun at them and demanded their money at around 8:35 p.m. Saturday. Salotti said no arrests have been made in the attack, but described the perpetrator as a male who is 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds. In another unrelated incident, unknown actors apparently showed their Quaker pride Saturday night, as they painted the Button, located on College Green, red and blue, Salotti said. The incident was described as criminal mischief and was reported to Physical Plant, he added. Police have no suspects. By yesterday, the Button had been repainted white.