Two early morning Columbia robberies appear to be connected

COLUMBIA — Columbia police believe two early Friday morning robberies, one in East Campus and another on Rock Quarry Road, could be connected.

At the first robbery, a 22-year-old woman walking near the intersection of University Avenue and William Street was struck in the back of the head and fell to the ground, said Public Information Officer Jessie Haden of the Columbia Police Department. The victim's purse was stolen, but she reported that nothing of value was in it at the time. She refused medical treatment at the scene.

According to Haden, the victim believed there were three male perpetrators but the only description she could provide was that one suspect was black, of average height with a thin build and wearing a white-hooded sweatshirt. The victim was unable to provide a description for the other two males. None of the suspects showed any indication that they were armed.

In the other incident, a 22-year-old man reported that at around 2:30 a.m. he was chased and jumped, kicked and punched by three male perpetrators as he crossed the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Nifong Boulevard, police said.

After stealing the man’s wallet — which contained his identification, cash, a bank card and a check — the men drove away in what the victim believed was a silver Chevy Blazer. They headed north on Rock Quarry Road. The victim refused medical assistance, and the perpetrators showed no indication they were armed.

Police believe the robberies are connected based on similar descriptions of the perpetrators: three males. Further descriptions of the perpetrators are not available at this point the investigation.

"It's common sense that there's a good likelihood they could be related," Haden said.

Missourian reporter Andrew Denney contributed to this report.