The Cavalier Daily
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Alleged Wednesday robbery was fabricated, U.Va. says

The reporter falsely claimed that he was attacked by a black male suspect

The reported robbery was determined to be fabricated after the University found exonerating video footage.
The reported robbery was determined to be fabricated after the University found exonerating video footage.

In an email sent to the University community Friday, Gloria Graham — associate vice president for Safety and Security — revealed that a robbery alleged to have taken place on the Corner Wednesday evening was fabricated.

“Through police investigation and subsequent interviews with the alleged victim it has been determined that the robbery DID NOT OCCUR,” the email read. “The suspect information originally provided was fabricated, this incident does not pose a threat to our community.”

The alleged victim — who, according to University police, is not affiliated with U.Va. — falsely reported Wednesday evening that he had been approached by two black male suspects at 1400 University Ave. The individual reported that one of the suspects physically attacked him and flashed a firearm in his waistband. The individual reported that both suspects then fled in an unknown direction.

Fewer than two hours after the incident was reported, the University issued a Timely Warning to the University community. The University then recanted that the attack occurred in an email sent Friday morning.

In an email to The Cavalier Daily, UPD officer and Crime Prevention Coordinator Ben Rexrode said University police have reviewed video at the location where the incident allegedly occurred. 

“The video did not support the facts that the victim told police, and after a subsequent interview he admitted to making a false report,” Rexrode said. “The incident remains under investigation.”

As of press time, the University has not responded to questions concerning whether there will be repercussions for the false reporter.

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