Economics professor Walter Block surrendered his car, money and keys on Nov. 30 when a potentially armed suspect demanded these items on Loyola’s campus.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. while Block was sitting in his vehicle on Loyola Drive outside of Miller Hall, according to a Loyola news release.
The suspect, who he described as a 5-foot-8 black male, approached him and demanded his keys and money, which he relinquished without argument.
Block said the suspect, who was “better dressed than most students,” held his hand under his coat with the implication of being armed.
Because the keys to Miller Hall were attached to his key chain, the university has changed the locks on the building, Block said.
However, he has suggested other measures to enforce campus safety.
The street where the carjacking occurred is almost completely dark after daylight hours.
Block recommended that the university install lights and cameras in poorly lit areas of the campus to deter potential thieves.
Block, a strong advocate of the second amendment, also suggested that the university remove the “No Guns” signs on campus, which he believes encourages crime with the message, “We’re unarmed, come get us.” Block further suggested that Loyola entertain the idea of a pistol-shooting club to educate students about self-protection.
Finally, he suggested that Loyola secure campus borders with a fence and use identification gates at entry points.
Block outlined these suggestions in an e-mail sent to the dean of the College of Business, Jerry Dauterive, and the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president. Block admitted the administration’s likelihood of following his suggestions was minimal, although he said it would discourage future crime-related incidents on Loyola’s campus.
In an e-mail sent out to students, University Police gave several precautions to prevent car theft. Among UP’s suggestions is the warning not to resist a thief.
“Give it up.
“There’s plenty of cars and plenty of money out there, but you have only one body,” Block said.
Steve Heath can be reached at [email protected].
