An unknown intruder broke into the apartment of a 24-year-old female University student at about 6 a.m. Sunday morning, according to Charlottesville police.
The intruder, described as a black male, entered the apartment at 126 13th Street and spoke to the victim, police said. He reportedly asked the student if she was a specific person -- police did not release the name said by the intruder -- and fled the apartment after the resident answered that she was not the person he was looking for.
A male resident of the apartment then chased the intruder down the street and around the corner but was unable to catch him. He reported the incident to police immediately.
"There is no link or connection to the serial rapist at this time," Charlottesville Police Sgt. Michael Farruggio.
The break-in, which is still under investigation, raises questions of safety for other students who live in the area.
Second-year Engineering student Haskell Garon lives near 13th Street and said that although he generally feels safe in the area, he also takes various safety precautions.
"My roommates and I definitely lock our doors at night," Garon said. "I personally feel safe in Charlottesville, but I feel like students should always take certain precautions such as not walking around alone at night."
University Police Sgt. Melissa Fielding said the University makes the safety and welfare of its students a top priority.
"We try to get information out to students about anything that may affect their safety as quickly and efficiently as possible," Fielding said. "We generally offer the same types of safety tips like, trusting your instincts about a particular situation or person, locking doors or windows, using outdoor lighting and keeping shrubs and trees trimmed so that there is a natural surveillance."
She said that it is also important to report any suspicious persons who may be taking pictures or videotaping for no apparent reason.
"It is very important to report this type of suspicious activity to the police immediately," Fielding said. "This type of suspicious activity may indicate a person who is casing the area for future break-ins or other types of criminal activity"
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