Police investigate armed robbery in The Fan - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Richmond Police are looking for three people involved in an armed robbery near The Fan. It happened just before midnight Tuesday. Investigators believe two of the men involved had a getaway driver helping them. People who live in the area say they're staying more alert to avoid falling victim to crime.

It's the charm of The Fan that attracted Andy Stepfanovich.

"Art. Culture. Eclectic-isity. Diversity. Everything you'd want," he said describing his neighborhood of 20 years.

That's why he's not letting crime drive him away.

"It's community. It's perfect neighborhood. It's great people. It's great neighbors. It's great friends," he continued.

Just before midnight Tuesday, police say two men robbed a man near Plum Street and Grove Avenue, just outside Stepfanovich's front door.

"My wife looked out the window and saw police," he said.

Police say the two men got out of a car, one wearing a hoodie and a bandana, the other wearing a mask. That's when one of them pointed a silver, semi-automatic at a man in the area, demanding his wallet and cell phone. After getting the goods, the thieves ran away.

VCU officials immediately issued a crime alert to students and residents in the area.

"The past month or so there have been robberies almost every week," said student Helen Mays.

She's thankful for the alerts that help her better plan where and when she will take a stroll in the neighborhood.

"It keeps you aware especially at night if you're going to go out with a group more rather than just go out by yourself," she said.

"When you live in The Fan you're a bit conditioned for those moments unfortunately," Stepfanovich added.

He says incidents like this are only forcing him to become more pro-active about saving the community he loves.

"It's about community awareness and us rising up as a community and watching our neighbors back and if you see something suspect, call police," he said.

Richmond police are still working leads on this case. If you have any information about this robbery, you're asked to contact investigators.

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