DeKALB | An armed assailant and two accomplices held up an NIU student Wednesday, robbing her of her book bag and cell phone before fleeing, according to a DeKalb Police statement.

The incident occurred at 8:45 p.m. in Building 2 of 1212 Varsity Boulevard. Police said the victim entered the building at the west end when one suspect opened the door for her. As the victim walked up the stairs, another suspect descended them and knocked her book bag off her shoulder.

The persons then took the bag and fled. A third suspect came into the stairwell from the main level and held the victim at gunpoint, taking her cell phone and then leaving the building.

DeKalb Police Lt. Jim Kayes said the theft of the cell phone was likely to keep the victim from calling for help immediately, as the value of cell phones is relatively low. Kayes said a robbery with such low-value items as the ones in question points toward individuals desperate for quick money.

“They need money and they need it right now and they aren’t gainfully employed,” Kayes said of the suspects.

Police said the suspects did not injure the victim.

According to a police statement, the three suspects are described as black males. The first is described as tall and thin, wearing a navy blue hoodie. The second suspect is described as about 5’9″, wearing a dark-colored hoodie and blue jeans. The third suspect is described as about 5’9″, weighing about 195 lbs. with light skin, and wearing a black nylon jacket with a red design on the front.

The robbery’s suspects and their methods have similarities to another robbery that occurred Aug. 29 at Campus Cinema, 1015 Blackhawk Drive. Kayes said that while they’re similar, police cannot yet say whether the incidences are connected.

“We’re working on a lot of leads right now and I hope it turns out well,” Kayes said.