Four on-campus assaults reported last weekend

A slew of on-campus crimes at the University of Richmond were reported last weekend, ranging from assault to breaking and entering.

Three Richmond College students were victims of assault between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Another assault occurred early on Sunday, Sept. 5, where a victim was knocked unconscious and suffered from a broken nose and missing teeth.

University Police believe the three assaults on Saturday were related.

The assault that occurred the following night, however, appears to be an isolated incident, committed by different assailants.

Each victim was attacked at various locations on campus, at different times. All four victims report to have been approached and assaulted without provocation.

Although University Police have received differing descriptions from the victims and witnesses, the Sept. 4 assailants have been generally described as black males last seen in groups of three or more, wearing dark, loose-fitting clothing.

The assailants on Sept. 5 were described as two Caucasian males.

"It's easy to become complacent when things have been generally safe on campus," said Brian Eckert, director of media and public relations. "People need to know that there is a group of people out there doing this."

Early Sunday morning, a former Richmond College class of 2012 student, who requested to remain anonymous, was assaulted and knocked unconscious near the apartments. The victim transferred from Richmond last year and was visiting campus for the weekend.

"I never got a good look at the guys," the victim said. "They came up behind me, and when I turned around one of them punched me in the face and knocked me out."

The victim suffered a broken nose and two missing teeth. He also received stitches in his face when he went to the hospital the following day.

"My friend and I were just walking back to the dorm," he said. "I saw them at a distance and before I knew it, they were right behind me."

The victim doesn't remember anything after he lost consciousness.

Police have received several substantive leads on the assailants, and the cases are ongoing investigations led by university police investigator Timothy Mihalcoe.

On the same night that the former Richmond student was assaulted, a male intruder entered an apartment on the 2100 block of the University Forest Apartments, according to a report filed by two Westhampton College students.

University Police have recommended that students refer to the personal safety tips that are posted on the University Police website at: http://police.richmond.edu/prevention/safety_tips.html.

Students walking alone at night should avoid directly approaching a group of people who they do not know. It is also advised that students who are accosted should not be confrontational. During a dangerous situation, students should attempt to attract as much attention as possible.

If suspicious activity or behavior is observed on campus, students are encouraged to contact University Police immediately by calling (804) 289-8911.

Contact staff writer Fred Shaia at: fred.shaia@richmond.edu