Update: University Police announced Friday night it had discovered the alleged attempted robbery was fabricated, according to an updated timely warning.
A man was almost forced to give up his parents’ car keys in a parking garage for the O’Connell Center on Thursday, according to a warning issued by UF Public Safety. Investigators later determined Friday night that his report was false.
The victim told police he was approached by a man when he went by himself to his parents’ car to retrieve something at about 7 p.m., according to the timely warning. The man grabbed his hands and said “give me your keys.”
When the victim stepped back from him, the man let go of his arm and said, “I don’t want any trouble,” before running off, according to the warning.
UPD searched the area but could not find the man. They believe he may have left UF’s campus, according to the warning.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches, 20 to 30 years old and wearing a North Face black jacket and blue jeans, according to the warning.
At the time of the robbery, the O’Connell Center was hosting a talk about religion with Ravi Zacharias, an author and apologist, and Vince Vitale, an author and professor.
Police asked people with information about the incident or who may know the suspect to call 352-392-1111.
Contact Robert Lewis at rlewis@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @Lewis__Robert.
