While waiting to meet friends in a parking garage on University Avenue early Friday morning, a University student was assaulted by two men and robbed.
The student, who wished to remain anonymous, described being physically attacked and punched in the head several times before the assault ceased.
"As I was getting hit, I took out my wallet and threw it, and they took the money," the student said.
Following the attack, which occurred at about 1:15 a.m., the victim filed a police report within an hour.
"We responded at about 1:42 [in the] morning," Charlottesville Police Sgt. M.G. Davis said.
Davis said authorities have not yet identified or arrested the attackers.
In addition to filing a report with police, the student informed University officials of the assault.
"I decided I have to be a little more proactive," the student said. "I wanted to get the word out to other people."
The student made use of the "dean-on-call" system which, according to Associate Dean of Students Aaron Laushway, puts students in touch with a dean who "welcomes the student into a conversation -- the aim of which is to provide support as deemed necessary."
Laushway emphasized the importance of taking safety precautions, especially late at night.
"We encourage students to be aware of the environment they are in, especially during early hours," Laushway said. Charlottesville "is not a gated city, and our students do travel and frequent places of business, and they should do so with safety."
According to Davis, if a student encounters a similar situation in the future, "the safest thing [to do] is just comply and then wait and call the police. Try to get a description and be a good witness"
Read More
Winsome Earle-Sears talks higher education in first U.Va. event of the campaign
By Ford McCracken | 14 hours agoA Jamaican immigrant and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Earle-Sears is the first female lieutenant governor of Virginia,
U.Va.'s Earth Day Eco-Fair 2025 spotlights sustainability advocacy
By Leigh Bailey | 15 hours agoStudents from Contracted Independent Organizations and University Office of Sustainability leadership programs each shared their unique perspectives about sustainability advocacy on Grounds.
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | YesterdayStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
