Situational awareness: Assault

14 Sep 2024

Editor's note: The alerts issued during the incident appear below as they were distributed.

From: Virginia Tech Police Department

On September 14, 2024 at about 1:58 a.m., the Virginia Tech Police Department received a report of an assault in progress in the area of Moss Arts Center, 190 Alumni Mall, that involved the possible brandishing of a knife. A Secure in Place was initiated until police could secure the area. The incident appeared to have started on S. Main St and the victim retreated from the suspect onto campus where he was able to escape.

The Virginia Tech Police Department, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Blacksburg Police Department, immediately saturated the area and initiated a search. No suspect was located that matched the description given.

The Virginia Tech Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident. Current information indicates that the incident began as an altercation between two individuals and we do not believe there is a threat to the community at this time.

The suspect was described as:
Hispanic Male
5’6” 160 lbs
Stocky build
Short cut black hair
Light colored stripped polo shirt and shorts

If you have information or witnessed the incident, please contact the Virginia Tech Police Department at 540-382-4343 and ask to speak with an officer.

The Virginia Tech Police Department would like to remind all community members to:

Be aware of your surrounding and trust your instincts.
Report all suspicious people and circumstances immediately.
Be cautious in confronting suspicious persons. Call the Virginia Tech Police Department at (540)382-4343 or by dialing 911.
Anonymous tips can be reported online at police.vt.edu/anonymous