Carbondale Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at 10:59 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of South Poplar Street.

Two male SIUC students reported they were walking south on Poplar Street when they were approached from behind by two men. One of the men reportedly asked for a cigarette and then grabbed one of the victims from behind and choked him. The student reported that the men stole a pack of cigarettes and a key before knocking him to the ground, injuring his forehead.

The other man reportedly tried to grab the other SIUC student, who evaded the men and fled on foot.

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When police arrived on the scene, the student who was thrown to the ground was disoriented. He was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, was treated and released.

Neither of the students saw the suspects. It was at first reported that one of the attackers had a handgun, but the student later said he was unsure if a gun was involved.