Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler sent the following message to the campus community on Thursday. -Ed

Dear William & Mary community,

It is important I inform you about an incident that occurred last night on campus. One of our female students was assaulted as she walked on the cul-de-sac on Harrison Avenue.

At about 9:40 p.m., the suspect approached the student, grabbed her, and then struck her on the buttocks several times with an open hand before running off. Fortunately, the victim was not seriously injured and did not require medical treatment. She did immediately call William & Mary Police, who responded and canvassed the area. Officers were not able to locate the suspect, who is described as a white male with an age between 20-to-25 years old. According to the report, he was wearing a white button-down shirt with sleeves rolled up, shorts and black shoes.

William & Mary and the Williamsburg are generally very safe communities. This incident last night is an unfortunate reminder that crimes can and do occur. There may be nothing we can do to fully insulate ourselves from the reality of crime in our world.  At the same time, it is helpful to remember that there are measures we can and should take to increase our level of personal safety.  Whenever possible, it is wise to travel with others, particularly after dark.   And, as the student in this case did, call the police immediately if something happens to you or if you see suspicious activity -- on campus or off, use 911. 

I know you share my sense of relief that, as frightening as this experience must have been, our student was not more seriously harmed. Please keep her in your thoughts and continue to look out for each other. If you have any information about this incident or notice any suspicious activity, please contact William & Mary Police at 221-4596.

Ginger Ambler