Police give an update on shooting of IUP student in off-campus robbery

Police gave an update on Tuesday about the shooting of an IUP student in a robbery at an off-campus apartment.

Three masked men from Philadelphia are accused of hitting the wrong house while trying to rob another for marijuana.

Police say that foiled robbery attempt led them to their intended target, a house on the 800 block of Wayne Avenue, where one man was shot in the face Valentine’s day night.

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“Within hours we had developed information and an understanding based upon some comments made at the first scene, as well as some knowledge at the second this was an act intended for one residence," said Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl.

IUP sent out text alerts not long after the shooting to warn the campus community of the potential danger, but police say they quickly realized this was an intended hit.

“Something within those conversations led at least one resident of 841 Wayne Avenue to believe they were being set up for something like a robbery," said Schawl.

Police charged Daron Reel and identified him as the shooter. Nafis Miles-Harper and Samuel Wilson are also charged as being involved in the shooting and robbery. Mamadi Saccoh allegedly acted as their lookout that night.

Three of the four men are said to be IUP students.

“Anyone that is a student is held accountable for any kind of issues on or off campus," said IUP spokesperson Michelle Fryling.

The DA said investigators have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks, executing search warrants, obtaining surveillance and using their training to bring these charges to light.

Armed robbery, shooting near IUP campus sends nearby students into lock down Armed robbery, shooting near IUP campus sends nearby students into lock down

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