The area immediately north of campus has become the site for yet another crime involving University students.

Saturday, May 5th, two women — one of whom is a UW student — were walking north on 18th Avenue NE, just past NE 50th Street at about 10:45 p.m. A green four-door sedan pulled up beside them. According to the UW Police Department, two men emerged from the car and approached the women in a friendly manner, as if they were acquaintances.

When the two women turned to respond, however, one of the men punched one of the women in the face, knocking her over, causing her to drop her purse and spill its contents on the ground. The suspects then grabbed her wallet and left in the car.

The victim's friend flagged down a UWPD officer, who called the Seattle Police Department.

"When she was punched in the face, she fell to her knees," said UWPD Assistant Chief Ray Wittmier. "She ended up with bloody knees and a bloody lip. She was escorted by police to the UW hospital to get cleaned up."

The stolen wallet contained the victim's driver's license, credit cards and $45 in cash.

The police have thus far been unable to locate the suspects

Shawn Bell, who lives north of campus, passed by the scene moments after the assault occurred.

"That night, there seemed to be a pretty high number of non-student males roaming the area looking for parties and trying to bother female students," he said.

The UWPD is again asking students to exercise caution when walking in the area north of campus, particularly at night. In an e-mail sent to the University community, police urged students to be aware of their surroundings, choose strategic routes in busy, rather than deserted or darkened areas and avoid walking alone.

The victims of last month's robbery were also walking in a group on 18th Ave NE.

The frequency with which these sorts of incidents are occurring is concerning to residents like Bell, who feel that the neighborhood is becoming a dangerous one.

"North-of-campus safety is not a finished product at this time, to say the least," Bell said.

Reach reporter Siv Prince at news@thedaily.washington.edu.