FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Officials at Fresno City College are warning students and staff to be extra cautious as they show up to class after someone was assaulted in a parking lot.
8:00 a.m. in parking lot D at Fresno City College a student parks his car and starts walking towards his class. Before he leaves the parking lot, though, two men approach him.
"They demanded his backpack that he had. He refused, and at that time they started to strike him and try to physically take it. He was able to successfully fight back and they fled," said Richard Gaines, SCCCD Interim Police Chief.
The victim received bruises to his face, back of the head, and neck but is otherwise okay. Once he made it to class he told his instructor and called police.
"It's a concern of ours. The District Police Department, state center as a whole, we're very sensitive to the safety and welfare of our students, faculty, staff," said Gaines.
Since Tuesday's attack, officials are urging people to be aware of their surroundings when on campus. Officers are increasing patrols. They're also encouraging students and staff to use their police escort service if they feel unsafe. An officer can walk or drive you to and from your car.
"Since this bulletin, since this crime, we've received a lot more phone calls and so we're happy about that," said Gaines.
Students weren't surprised by the attack and had mixed views on whether they feel safe on campus. Many told us they take extra precautions when they park their car. Rosalva Velasquez gets to Fresno City an hour early just so she can ensure she has a front row parking spot.
"During the daytime, I think it's kind of dangerous now. I think they should have more security guards, more officers patrolling the parking lots, it's for the safety of the students and I think it would be much better for them," said Velasquez.
"I can simply call an officer if I need any assistance, and I can have a friend, or someone, follow me to my car and I always park close to the building," said Miguel Flores, student.
Officers will be taking a look at surveillance video that overlooks this parking lot to try and identify the suspects.
Investigators said believe two men were in their earlier twenties.