Notice of Crime: Aggravated Assault (Brandishing), Core Campus, MPC

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:36:14 -0400

In compliance with the “Timely Warning” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, Virginia Commonwealth University is providing notice of a recently reported crime that may pose a serious or continuing threat to campus safety. This notice is intended to aid in the prevention of similar crimes and to enable members of the university community to protect themselves. VCU is dedicated to promoting a safe and secure environment for learning, living, working or visiting.

Reported offense: Aggravated Assault (Brandishing)

Location: 1000 block of West Grace Street

Date and time of incident: August 25, 2026, at approximately 5:45 a.m.

Brief description of how the crime took place: At around 8:40 a.m. on August 25, 2026, VCU Police received a delayed report of a possible brandishing incident. The victim, who is not affiliated with VCU, was engaged in a verbal dispute with another person. During the argument, the suspect approached a nearby vehicle and got out what appeared to be a firearm. The victim said the suspect pointed the weapon at them. There were no reported injuries, as the victim left the area.

Suspect/s: The individual involved was last seen wearing a pink or light red sweatshirt/hoodie and baggy pants that appear to be light in color.

Investigating agency: VCU Police are leading the investigation. Police have increased patrols in the area.

Anyone with information pertaining to any crime or suspicious activity should contact the VCU Police Department at (804) 828-1234. For incidents occurring off-campus in the city of Richmond, please call 911 for emergencies.

Anyone can submit tips, screenshots, photos and videos directly to VCU Police via the VCU LiveSafe app, which is monitored 24/7. For more information, visit police.vcu.edu/stay-safe/livesafe. Tips can also be submitted to Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or on the P3 Tips mobile app; for more information, visit rvacrimestoppers.org/.

VCU Police would like to remind the VCU and VCU Health community to keep personal safety in mind, be prepared and take responsibility for your own safety and for the safety of others. A few key reminders:

Aggravated Assault:

If someone threatens you, avoid physical confrontation, if possible. Walk or run away and notify police as soon as possible; provide details about the suspect.
Trust your instincts about a person or situation. Always choose safety over courtesy.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Pepper spray, a loud whistle or high-decibel personal alarm could serve as a deterrent to threatening behavior.
If you’re followed or threatened by someone who is walking, cross the street and run in the opposite direction towards other people.
Stay clear of alleyways and low-lit areas, especially at night. Try to travel in highly populated areas.
The information you provide to police will help identify the suspect(s). Focus on what clothing they’re wearing (including shoes and accessories), their height and weight and last known direction of travel.
Immediately report suspicious activity or incidents to police. Use the nearest Emergency Reporting Telephone.

Transportation

VCU Parking and Transportation offers a variety of options to help community members travel between both campuses -- day and night. For more information, visit parking.vcu.edu/transportation/.

Notice of Crime, Aggravated Assault, Core MPC

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:07:00 -0400

Notice of Crime: Aggravated Assault, Core Campus, MPC

Reported offense: Aggravated Assault - Strangulation

Location: On-Campus Residence Hall

Date and time of incident: August 15, 2026 between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm

Brief description of how the crime took place: On August 23, 2026 the VCU Police Department was made aware of a strangulation that occurred on August 15, 2026 between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. The incident occurred in an on-campus residence hall. The offender is a known acquaintance to the victim and this is believed to be an isolated incident.

Suspect/s: There is no suspect information at this time.

Investigating agency: VCU Police are leading the investigation.

Aggravated Assault:

If someone threatens you, avoid physical confrontation, if possible. Walk or run away and notify police as soon as possible; provide details about the suspect.
Trust your instincts about a person or situation. Always choose safety over courtesy.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Pepper spray, a loud whistle or high-decibel personal alarm could serve as a deterrent to threatening behavior.
If you’re followed or threatened by someone who is walking, cross the street and run in the opposite direction towards other people.
Stay clear of alleyways and low-lit areas, especially at night. Try to travel in highly populated areas.
The information you provide to police will help identify the suspect(s). Focus on what clothing they’re wearing (including shoes and accessories), their height and weight and last known direction of travel.
Immediately report suspicious activity or incidents to police. Use the nearest Emergency Reporting Telephone.

Transportation

VCU Parking and Transportation offers a variety of options to help community members travel between both campuses -- day and night. For more information, visit parking.vcu.edu/transportation/.

VCU Alerts

Notice of Crime: Aggravated Assault (Brandishing), Core Campus, MPC

Notice of Crime, Aggravated Assault, Core MPC