WVU issues Community Notice following quick arrest for alleged attempted armed robbery on Downtown area of Morgantown Campus

West Virginia University Police issued a Community Notice following an alleged attempted armed robbery and quick arrest on the Downtown area of campus around 1 p.m. Thursday (April 16).

A University employee reported a man approaching them with a white handled item, believed to be a knife, in his hand near Summit Hall demanding money.

The suspect ran off after being confronted and was taken into custody within a short period of time near Houston Street and McLane Avenue.

No one was hurt.

"Our officers were able to use the description to quickly track the suspect, eliminating any threat to campus," Chief Sherry St. Clair said. "We appreciate the fast response from others in the area and encourage all members of the University community to contact us about any suspicious activity they see."

WVU Police can be reached by phone at 304-293-3136, in person at 886 Chestnut Ridge Road, or anonymously via the LiveSafe app.

Officers provided the following safety information:

• Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.
• Download the WVU LiveSafe app. LiveSafe can be used to contact University Police directly and pictures/messages could be immediately shared.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Be cautious in confronting suspicious persons.
• If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run for safety.
• There is safety in numbers. If you feel you are being followed, cross the street, yell, run and find a well-lit area.
• Stay in well-lit or heavily populated areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
• Know your neighborhood. Identify police and fire stations, libraries, emergency telephones - as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.
• If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or WVUPD.
• If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system, if available.

Safety, preparedness and training resources are posted at police.wvu.edu.

Students and employees are encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page as well as @WVUsafety on X and @WVUsafetyofficial on Instagram, and download the LiveSafe app and allow push notifications for the latest safety information.

A Community Notice is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.