Crime Alert

From the Fan District Association:

Recently there have been several reports of home invasions and attempted break ins in The Fan.  The suspect is described as an African American male in his 30′s, 5’8″, 180lbs.  He has accessed one couple’s home by asking for water and, when separated from the homeowners, stole a wallet.  In one instance, he simply walked into the home and was forcibly removed by a male in the home.  He has been seen attempting to break in through the front door with a credit card and bodily force.  He was seen getting into the passenger seat of a black pickup truck with 9-11 Virginia license plates.

Please remember to lock your doors at all times of the day and night and do not open your door until the person has identified themselves to your satisfaction. Always call 911 if you have a reportable incident and we encourage you to meet with the responding officer.

Robberies at Shafer and Grace, Franklin

From the VCU Alert:

On 08/22/2012 at approximately 2:55 A.M., both an assault and a strong armed robbery were reported to the VCU Police Department as having occurred near the intersection of West Franklin and Shafer streets. VCU Police are leading the investigation.

Suspect descriptions: A group of approximately 15 black males, ranging from 17-22 years of age.

The first victim, who is not a VCU student, reports being punched by a member of the group as they were exiting their vehicle and without provocation at the intersection of Shafer and Grace streets. Moments later, the group encountered the second victim at the intersection of West Franklin and Shafer streets, a VCU student, with one member making a comment about the boots that the victim was wearing. After the group then passed, the victim heard footsteps behind him and was then punched in the back of the head and knocked to the ground. Once on the ground, the victim was told by a crowd member, “Give me everything you’ve got.” The victim was then punched again in the neck and a pack of cigarettes was removed from his pants pocket. The group of assailants were last seen heading south through Shafer Court.