Reported armed robbery on VCU campus a false report

Incident occurred on October 12th at 1:48 in the morning.

October 14, 2015; 8:30 AM • by Richard Hayes

Update #1 — October 14, 2015; 8:29 AM

An armed robbery reported Monday on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus did not occur, VCU police say.
VCU police issued a mass-email crime alert early Monday notifying recipients that an armed robbery had occurred in the 900 block of West Grace Street.

“After an extensive investigation today by VCU police, detectives have determined that a robbery did not occur,” the department said in an updated email Monday evening.

VCU police said the alert, which included a description of a robber, was issued based on information that had been reported to them. The email alerts are sent when a situation poses a significant risk to the VCU community, the department said.
“The VCU Police Department regrets that the false report included a fabricated description of an armed black male,” the updated email said.

VCU police are continuing to investigate the report.

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Original — October 12, 2015

VCU Alert:

Reported Offense: On October 12, 2015, at approximately 1:48 a.m., an armed robbery was reported to the VCU Police Department as having occurred at 12:30 a.m., in the alley of 900 block of W. Grace St. The victim returned home and told a roommate what had happened. The roommate ultimately reported the crime through LiveSafe.

Suspect descriptions: Black male suspect approximately 5’11”, wearing all black, a surgical mask over his face and armed with a knife.

Brief description of how the crime took place: The victim was walking in the alley just east of Harrison Street, when approached by the suspect. The suspect displayed a knife and demanded money from the victim. The suspect took money from the victim before fleeing the scene.