Four students at the College of William and Mary were the victims of an armed robbery Monday as they walked home on the 1300 block of Mt. Vernon Ave.
According to an e-mail sent to the College community by Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler ’88 Ph.D. ’06 at approximately 10 p.m. Monday, the students were approached by two unidentified men, reportedly carrying a gun and knife, who demanded that the students hand over their personal items.
“We are grateful that our students were not physically harmed during the incident,” Ambler said in the e-mail. “Williamsburg City Police responded immediately and are leading an investigation.”
The Williamsburg Police Department and the Dean of Students Office are asking any students with information to come forward.
The two alleged attackers are described as either black or hispanic males, approximately 5’9”-5’10” tall, of medium build, and in their late teens to early twenties.
“We think of the Williamsburg area as a safe place,” Ambler said in the e-mail. “Relatively speaking, it is. What happened [Monday] is an unfortunate reminder, however, that even in a community as special as Williamsburg crimes can and do occur.”
Ambler said that students should take precautions when traveling in unfamiliar areas or going out at night.
“When venturing out after dark it is always wise to travel with friends or call ESCORT (221-3293) for a safe walk/ride,” she said. “And, as the students in this case did, call the police immediately if something happens to you or if you see suspicious activity — on campus or off, use 911.”
Ambler said that, despite the timing of the incident, students should not begin the new school year in fear.
“I know you share my sense of relief that, as frightening as this experience must have been, our students were not harmed,” she said. “As we begin this academic year, let us all continue to watch out for one another.”
