Six robbery-related crimes near VCU within one hour (VA)(VCU)

[Bruce Jackson]

http://rvanews.com/news/six-robbery-related-crimes-on-and-around-vcu-campus-last-night/69888

http://tinyurl.com/8v4jodz

Six robbery-related crimes near VCU within one hour
by Nathan Cushing

Six robbery-related incidents involving firearms took place last night
both on and near VCU’s Monroe Park Campus, according to Richmond and
VCU Police.

The first incident occurred at approximately 7:37 PM at 913 W.
Franklin Street. Witnesses reported that three black males approached,
one displayed a firearm and demanded money.

An attempted robbery involving a firearm took place a short time later
at Grace and Foushee streets at approximately 8 PM. Around the same
time, another robbery took place at First and Grace streets in which
the assailant brandished a gun. The victim told Police that the
assailant wore pajama pants with a chili pepper pattern.

Both an armed robbery and an attempted armed robbery occurred a short
time later around 8:30 PM at Laurel and Cary streets.

Police report that yet another attempted robbery took place a short
distance away at Cary and Belvidere streets also around 8:30 PM.
Police say all incidents might involve the same individual.

“I am very upset along with all of you that last night six robbery
related crimes happened on or in the vicinity of the Monroe Park
Campus,” said VCU President Michael Rao in a statement today.
“Richmond Police are investigating five of the incidents and VCU
Police are investigating the one incident that happened on our
property [at 913 W. Franklin]. Together they are working diligently to
apprehend those responsible for these crimes.”

Safety, said Rao, “is a top priority at VCU,” adding that the
University’s police force is the largest in Virginia with 92 sworn
officers.

Rao: “What happened last night is untenable. I [will] meet with
Richmond’s Chief Administrative Officer and Police Chief today, and
with Mayor Jones tomorrow. I will emphasize my concern for the
continued need for a strong partnership between VCU and the city to
prevent crime and protect the more than 50,000 students, faculty and
staff who live and work on and near our campuses.”

VCU informed students and the community of the armed robberies
throughout the evening via the VCU Alert system.

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