CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The University of Chicago is responding to the murder of a graduate on Tuesday during a street robbery with a number of safety measures.
The University of Chicago is working with the Chicago Police Department adding foot and traffic patrols, new cameras, and for those who don’t want to walk, have more shuttle busses and free rideshares.
University leaders, including President Paul Alivisatos, Provost Ka Yee C. Lee and Assistant Vice President for Safety and Security Eric Heath, took part in a webinar telling the university community they’re serious about safety.
Heath said Chicago police and University police will be more visible, and technology is part of the plan.
"CPD will temporarily be adding additional police observation devices, or otherwise known as POD camera technology, to the Hyde Park area. These are remote controlled cameras that are monitored by CPD officers in district stations and aid in deterring crime, identifying suspects, and making arrests," Heath said.
University President Paul Alivisatos added, "violence today is on the same scale as a public health crisis, and requires a commensurate response. Public safety has long been an absolute priority for the University and it is more critical than ever."
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This follows the Tuesday afternoon murder of 24-year-old Shaoxiong "Dennis" Zheng, a recent graduate, who was a victim of a street robbery turned murder when he was approached by someone who hopped out of a car, demanded his property, and shot him in the chest.
That incident mirrors what's been happening elsewhere: armed men hop out of a car – sometimes stolen – and rob people on the street; except they don't typically shoot the victims.
Police are still looking for the person who shot and killed Zheng.
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