Two couples were victims of assaults involving youths wearing white T-shirts Saturday on West Main Street, according to Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo.
These incidents, which took place in the early morning hours, increase the number of reported random "white T-shirt assaults" in Charlottesville to 11, according to Longo.
The first incident occurred at about 2:45 a.m. in the 400 block of West Main Street. A man and woman were sitting in their car when they were approached by a group of black males. One of the males asked for a cell phone. After telling him they did not have a cell phone the group began attacking the car. The man and woman exited the car to confront the group. One of the males in the group then knocked the man to the ground and the group left, Longo said.
According to the police report, the woman involved is affiliated with the University, Longo said.
The second incident occurred shortly thereafter in the 800 block when a group approached a man and woman walking down West Main Street. One male in the group asked for the time. After the woman responded, one member of the group struck the man from behind, Longo said.
Longo added that the groups did not use any weapons, nor did they rob the couples.
According to Longo, the groups contained about five to six black males between the ages of 12 and 15. Longo said the series of reported assaults by young men wearing white T-shirts began in the spring and added that the more recent attacks have become more concentrated on the weekends between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m.
Longo said he only speculates as to whether the incidents are related or if they are some sort of gang activity.
"Their behavior is certainly consistent," Longo said, adding that there may be "groups on several sides of the city trying to one-up each other."
He said it is still difficult to discern the motive behind these assaults, though he referenced theories that they could be part of some kind of challenge or initiation process.
The Charlottesville Police Department has increased its presence in the downtown area with both officers in uniform and plain clothes, Longo said.
Associate Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said he would like to remind students to be careful.
"The police have urged the citizens and visitors in Charlottesville to take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety by staying in well-lit and heavily traveled areas," Laushway said. "I would urge our students to heed their advice."
If caught, the attackers could be charged with assault by mob, Longo said. According to the Code of Virginia, any person committing a "simple assault or assault and battery shall be guilty of a class one misdemeanor." A class one misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Another reported assault occurred early Sunday morning after another couple left a restaurant and was assaulted by two black males between the ages of 15 and 17. The first male was described as 5'10," thin-built and wearing a white T-shirt. The second male was 5'10" with a stocky build, wearing a blue plaid shirt and wire-rimmed glasses. Longo said he does not believe this incident is related to the ones that occurred Saturday.
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