West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning following an attempted robbery in the Downtown Campus Library that occurred and was reported Wednesday (Jan. 24).

The victim alleged that an unknown individual came into a study room uninvited at approximately 3:30 p.m., asked questions, and then attempted to take a vape pen from the victim. No weapons were involved. The victim forcefully pulled away and left. The suspect has been seen previously in the downtown area, including the library, but no other issues have been reported.

The alleged suspect was described as a tall, white male, with brown hair and scruffy beard. UPD provided a photo of the person. 

No arrests have been made. Officers are actively reviewing information as they work to locate the suspect. If you have any information about this incident or the suspect, please call 304-293-COPS (2677) or visit the department at 992 Elmer Prince Drive, Morgantown. Information may be shared anonymously.

University Police are increasing patrols and presence in the downtown area, including the library.

WVU is committed to providing a safe campus for the protection of the University community. University officials remind students to consider personal safety tips, advice and services located at safety.wvu.edu and police.wvu.edu.

The following safety tips are designed to help avoid potential crime.

• Anyone who believes they are in danger should immediately call 911.
• Download the WVU LiveSafe app. LiveSafe can be used to contact University Police directly and pictures/messages could be immediately shared.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Be cautious in confronting suspicious persons.
• If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run for safety.
• There is safety in numbers. If you feel you are being followed, cross the street, yell, run and find a well-lit area.
• Stay in well-lit or heavily populated areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
• Know your neighborhood. Identify police and fire stations, libraries, emergency telephones – as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.
• If you witness a potentially dangerous situation or a crime, call 911 or WVUPD.
• If you encounter an emergency situation on campus, utilize the blue light emergency call system, if available.

West Virginia University Resources:

Students and employees are also encouraged to follow the WVU Safety and Wellness Facebook page and @WVUsafety on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A Campus Warning is part of the WVU three-tiered emergency notification system used to enhance student and employee safety and provide useful information to the community.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Director of News Communications
University Relations
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu

Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.