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College Student Attacked At Gunpoint After Using ATM In Newark

NEWARK, Del., (CBS) -- A college student is attacked at gunpoint after using an ATM.

A struggle followed, then that attacker ran away.

Tonight, police in Delaware are searching for a suspect.

It all happened on East Main Street in Newark.

Newark Police allege the suspect used this gun to try to rob a 28-year-old University of Delaware student who had just left an ATM in Newark Shopping Center.

"I don't consider it dangerous at all," a student said.

"Especially in the afternoon. That's lunchtime when everyone is out," another student said.

Police say it happened in broad daylight just off campus in the 300 block of East Main Street.  CBS 3 is told the suspect approached the victim from behind, brandished this weapon and demanded money. Police say that's when the student fought back, grabbing and wrestling the gun away, forcing the suspect to run empty handed.

"Desperate. I mean, you don't hear about that kind of thing happening," student Olivia Stanhope said.

The gun as it turns out was a BB gun. The students CBS 3 talked to say they'll be more watchful, but consider this an isolated incident.

"There are cop cars that come by all the time," a student said.

"If someone asks me is it dangerous around Delaware I would still say no," student Cory Cacciola said.

Police say the victim suffered minor injuries to his hand.  The incident remains under investigation. 

The suspect is described as a white male about 20-years-old, 5'8" -5'10" tall, with a thin build and very short hair.  The suspect was wearing a black hooded jacket with the hood pulled up over his head, a black flat brimmed baseball hat, and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Fred Nelson at 302-366-7110 ext. 136 or frederick.nelson@cj.state.de.us.  You can send an anonymous text message tip by texting 302NPD and your message to TIP411.  Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com where a reward may be available.

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