Fourth-year College student Danny Schmidt reported being robbed at gunpoint early Wednesday while walking home from the library around 2 a.m.
Schmidt was walking north on Rugby Road near Grady Avenue behind three black males, according to the Charlottesville Police press release. As he approached the intersection of Grady Avenue, two of the suspects turned and began doubling back toward Schmidt. One withdrew a personal firearm, directed it at Schmidt, and told him to "give me all your [expletive]."
Schmidt described the suspect wielding the handgun as a black male between the ages of 20 and 25 years old, 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-3 and 180 to 190 pounds with a light complexion. He described the second suspect as 20 to 25 years old, about 6-feet tall and 170 to 180 pounds, with a darker complexion. Both suspects were wearing dark-colored clothing at the time of the armed robbery.
An undisclosed amount of cash and personal items were stolen from the victim.
Schmidt did not speak with University Police, but did contact the Charlottesville Police Department shortly after the robbery. He expressed his concerns that Charlottesville Police did not seem to be overly surprised by the occurrence of an armed robbery in a relatively public setting with close proximity to Grounds.
"I think it's preposterous that we should feel unsafe walking along a highly populated, well-lit area on a Tuesday night," Schmidt said. "I've never really thought of Charlottesville as a dangerous area, particularly the area immediately surrounding the University ... but the lack of security wasn't as apparent until last night."
Schmidt said he will not stop walking home at night alone, despite his experience yesterday.
"I've gone over three years now walking alone late at night with no incident, and statistically I'm doubtful to ever be a victim again, but that doesn't mean the threat isn't still there," he said.
In an email sent to all University faculty and students, University Police Chief Michael Gibson said the Charlottesville-Albermarle-University area is a safe community, but crime does occur. He reminded all members of the community to confine themselves to well-lighted streets while walking at night. He also encouraged people to travel in small groups for maximum safety and to avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas.
In the case of a robbery, Gibson advised the community to cooperate fully with the perpetrator while avoiding any sudden movements. Individuals should take careful notes of any distinct physical features or clothing to file a detailed witness report, Gibson said. Police should be notified immediately after a crime occurs.
University Police are encouraging any individuals who may have knowledge or information related to this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.
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