Campus safety message
Sam Jones, chair of the W&M Emergency Managment Team, sent the following message to the campus community Oct. 6, 2016. - Ed.
Dear W&M community,
As you know, two of our students were robbed at gunpoint last night on New Hope Road near Richmond Road. No injuries were reported. The suspect fled the area after firing one shot in the air. Williamsburg Police responded to the scene and contacted William & Mary Police to report the incident. The suspect, who is described as being a male in his 20s wearing a dark jacket and pants, is still at large, according to a press release from Williamsburg Police.
Although neither student was injured, it was undoubtedly a very disturbing and frightening event. We are reaching out to the victims to offer them our support. W&M is a tight-knit community, and when something like this happens to any of its members, the entire community is affected.
This incident is especially concerning given the shooting that occurred near The Crust at the beginning of the academic year. Generally, Williamsburg is a safe community, but these two occurrences remind us that criminal activity does go on here.
Please continue to be aware of your surroundings and call 911 to report anything suspicious. Please also make use of such resources as the Campus Escort (221-3293) program, which offers evening transportation on campus, as well as the Rave Guardian and In Case of Crisis apps. The apps may be downloaded from the W&M Emergency Management Team's website.
We are thankful that neither student was injured last night, but we know how concerning an incident like this is to the campus community. Please know that William & Mary Police has increased its patrols on campus, particularly the perimeter areas. If you have any information about this crime, please call Williamsburg Police at (757) 220-2331.
Sam Jones, Chair
W&M Emergency Management Team
Update to Armed Robbery near campus
October 5, 2016, 10:32 pm
No injuries reported in off-campus armed robbery. The robbery, which occurred on Middle Street near Bypass Rd., was reported to Williamsburg Police shortly after 8:00 p.m. Two William & Mary students were the victims of the robbery but were not physically injured. A gunshot was reportedly fired in the air. The suspect was described as a male in his twenties wearing a dark jacket and dark pants. Witnesses said he fled on foot in an unknown direction. Please be aware of your surroundings. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call 911 or contact William & Mary Police at x14596. If you have any information about this crime, please call Williamsburg Police at (757) 220-2331.
Crime Alert
October 5, 2016, 9:15 pm
Williamsburg Police Dispatch reporting robbery near campus with a gunshot fired on Middle St. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid this area and call 911 if needed.