A University employee was robbed by an unidentified white male Thursday around 9:30 p.m. near Ruffner Footbridge, according to University Police.
Police said the assailant is about 5'10", about 30 to 40 years of age, clean-shaven with long, dirty blond hair, which may have been a wig. He spoke with a raspy voice and was wearing a black knit winter hat and a shiny black hip length jacket.
The perpetrator was unarmed, according to University Police Sgt. Mike Gibson.
"The suspect reportedly never showed any weapon to the victim," Gibson said. "He instead kept his hands in his pockets the entire time."
The victim reported the crime to the police around midnight, he said.
The University employee was robbed of $8, credit cards, a checkbook, a University ID and a wallet, he added.
University Police currently do not have a suspect. Police also said they do not believe this incident is related to recent crimes on Grounds.
Last Sunday, two unidentified black males robbed a University student outside of Courtenay dorm. They were described as black males between 5'9" and 6' tall and weighed between 165 and 170 pounds.
"It is likely that the crimes are not related due to the differing descriptions of the suspects," Gibson said.
University Police urge all students to be cautious when traveling at night in the future.
They recommend that students walk with a friend in the lighted path system. Students should also be hesitant to walk in dark, unlit areas.
University Police additionally encourage the use of emergency telephones. If students witness any suspicious activity or people, they should immediately call the police by dialing 911 or using an emergency telephone on Grounds.
Due to the decreasing sense of safety on Grounds, Student Council is talking to Dean of Students Penny Rue in hopes of finding a long-term solution to increasing safety on Grounds, Student Council College Rep. Andrew Woodson said.
"It is unfortunate that our community is not as safe as it has been," Woodson said. "Students have a community of trust, yet there is the problem of the mingling of the University and Charlottesville communities"
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