Four arrested in armed robberies near VCU - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Richmond and VCU Police arrested four people in a string of armed robberies on, and near, the Monroe Park campus Tuesday night.

Arrested were Tyrieff Howard, 18, Harold L. Cox Jr., 18, Tyquisha Q. Carter, 18, and Jyquon R. Jackson, 18, according to Richmond Police.

Earlier, VCU Police Chief John Venuti said the three men and one woman were arrested within hours of the crimes. Chief Venuti released a statement saying the arrests "send a clear message that VCU Police will not tolerate crimes against its community and will aggressively pursue anyone coming to our campus to cause harm."

The first robbery happened on campus in the 1000 block of Grove Avenue just before 10:00 p.m. Tuesday. The victim says he was going into a building when the robber came up to him, threatened him with a handgun, and took his wallet and phone.

Police say 10-20 minutes later two additional armed robberies were reported in the 400 block of Goshen Street and the 700 block of West Clay Street just north of campus.

Richmond Police Chief Bryan Norwood addressed the recent developments Wednesday afternoon.

"I understand people are concerned, but they need to be vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings. Walk in pairs. Make sure you're communicating with your police department at VCU and RPD," Norwood said.

Norwood acknowledged that while the number of text alerts sent by VCU this fall is rising, the actual number of crimes reported is down when compared to 2007.

"We're trending down. We're doing well with crime going in the right direction," Norwood said.

Norwood said officers will continue to patrol the VCU area on foot, on bicycles, and on motorcycles.

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