Four W&M students robbed at gunpoint

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - A spokesperson with the College of William and Mary told WAVY.com four students and a friend, who does not attend the college, were robbed at gunpoint while walking home at around 10 p.m. Monday night.

Ginger Ambler, vice president of Student Affairs sent out an alert to all students notifying them of the incident.

According to the alert, the students were walking home in the 1300 blk. of Mount Vernon Avenue when two men armed with a handgun and possibly a knife approached them from behind and demanded various personal items.

The students were not hurt and Williamsburg City Police responded immediately.

It was a hard lesson in life for students just starting the year.  

"It is a little daunting that it happened to a group of students that it wasn't just someone walking by himself or herself," said one Virginia Beach freshman.

All the students WAVY.com spoke with appreciated the e-mail alert.

"I think it was good, kind of taking a proactive stance on it. In a sense, it happened off campus, still they want to let us know what's going on," said Sean Sweeney, also a freshman.

The suspects have been described as either black or Hispanic males in their late teens to early twenties, approximately 5-foot-9' to 5-foot-10'-inches tall with a medium build.

If you know anything that could help police in this case call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

In the alert, Ambler suggested when venturing out after dark, travel with friends or call ESCORT (221-3293) for a safe walk/ride. And, call the police immediately if something happens to you or if you see suspicious activity -- on campus or off, use 911.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ALERT SENT TO STUDENTS NOTIFYING THEM OF THE INCIDENT.