An 18-year-old male fell victim to a robbery behind the University Grill located on Ivy Road Wednesday evening. Though the victim in this case was not a University student, this robbery comes in the wake of a series of incidents that have involved University students, spurring discussion about student safety on and around Grounds and evaluation of what the University can do to address the threat of crime.
In Wednesday's incident, "the victim was pushed against the wall and the suspect reached into his pockets and took the money," according to Charlottesville Police Sgt. Tom McKean.
The suspect is a 6-foot-5 black male weighing 300 pounds and did not display a weapon, McKean added. The victim is not a University student.
According to University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding, student safety is a top priority of the University, even in off-Grounds locations.
"We have, over the last several years, adjusted patrols in the areas that students are affected off-Grounds and have worked closely with the city to address safety concerns," Fielding said.
As a way of evaluating current safety measures and concerns, the University Safety and General Security Committee conducts a night watch once a semester. This semester's watch took place last night.
The purpose of the night watch is to "look at things that students, faculty and staff have pointed out to us as areas of need," according to Mark Fletcher, chair of the committee.
This includes lighting, emergency phones and general safety concerns. The committee, which includes representatives from Parking and Transportation, the University Police and the Office of the Architect, also reviews the effectiveness of past projects, Fletcher said.
Thursday's night watch included a walk-through of the new road behind Gooch-Dillard, the west parking lot of Scott Stadium and the construction behind Dobie and McCormick Road, among other locations.
If students witness any suspicious behavior in the area, Fielding advised reporting it immediately.
"If they're concerned about maintaining anonymity that's an option," Fielding added. "If they see something that doesn't look right, we want them to call."
Fielding also stressed the need for students to remain alert at all times.
"Scan the area for all potential hazards and try to make eye contact with those nearby," Fielding said.
If confronted by an attacker, Fielding emphasized the importance of compliance.
"Hand over whatever personal possessions are demanded, avoid becoming confrontational and get a good description of the person," she said.
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