Police: Suspect walks into unlocked apartment, sexually assaults resident

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Virginia Commonwealth University students are on alert because of a third sexual assault reported in less than a week.

Police say the most recent is a report of a man walking into an unlocked apartment in the 1000 block of Park Avenue at 3 a.m. on Saturday and assaulted a resident. The crime was a delayed report to police.

Julia Sachs and Piper Lynch are just finishing up their freshman year at VCU, but the duo says they have a lot more on their minds than exams and summer breaks after receiving an alert of yet another sexual assault near campus.

"It's definitely very unnerving, and it's always disappointing when we get alerts like that," said Lynch. "I think just because it's something that we have to think about as students who live in the area."

"As awful as it might be, I'm glad that they're letting us know that's happening," said Sachs.

Patrols from VCU and Richmond police have increased in the area.

"It's an unfortunate reality that these things happened," said Vincent Kleug, a former VCU student.

Kleug lives in the neighborhood where the alleged assault was reported, but he says he still feels safe.

"You never want to hear that's around here, but I trust that they're doing a good job in keeping the neighborhoods as safe as possible," said Kleug.

According to the daily incident report from VCU police, this incident marks the 14th report of sexual assault or battery since the start of 2018 and the third since the start of the month.

VCU police advise that students ensure all doors and windows are locked, especially before going to bed.

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