Bicyclists Rob W&M Student at Gunpoint

By WYDaily Staff Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Williamsburg police are looking for two suspects who robbed a College of William and May student at gunpoint early Monday morning.

Police say the student was walking in the 700 block of Richmond Road near the intersection of Dillard Street around 1 a.m. when two men approached on bikes from behind.

Both men were wearing dark clothing with hooded sweatshirts pulled low over their heads; one had a gun. One suspect pushed the student into some bushes, displayed the handgun, then demanded the victim's cash from his wallet. The student complied, and the suspects took off. The student was unharmed.

The suspects are described as about 6'0" to 6'2" tall, with the armed man further described as having a large build of between 220 and 250 pounds, and a deep voice and southern accent.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

In an email Monday to students, staff and faculty, W&M Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler wrote, "We think of the Williamsburg community as a safe place. And relatively speaking, it is. What happened early this morning, however, is an unfortunate reminder that even in a community as special as ours, crimes can and do occur. There may be nothing we can do to fully insulate ourselves from the reality of crime in our world."

Ambler reminded students in particular to be mindful of their surroundings, and to travel with others whenever possible, and that they may call the campus' free ride service.