LYNCHBURG, VA – Update:
10 News reached out to Liberty University for additional information regarding this incident Thursday, but officials declined an interview.
However, officials issued the following statement to 10 News
“This incident occurred on the Liberty University campus, and appropriate actions were taken per the Jeanne Clery Act and Virginia State Law. The suspect was arrested by LUPD and taken before the Lynchburg Magistrate, who then issued the warrants for arrest and held a bond hearing for the individual, as is proper process for all arrestees in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The authority to release an individual who has been placed under arrest lies with the Magistrate and the Court System only. This incident remains an open and active investigation.”
Liberty University
10 News also went after the suspect’s arrest record, but it is sealed at this time. His name is unknown, and it is unknown if he was a student.
Original:
Liberty University is alerting students and staff after an aggravated assault involving a knife was reported on campus Wednesday.
The incident happened on the Academic Lawn near the Center for Natural Sciences.
According to Liberty University Police, the suspect threatened a female victim with a knife and asked if she had ‘been stabbed before.’
Investigators say he then followed her into the School of Science, again holding the knife toward her while threatening to strangle her.
The victim had limited knowledge of the suspect.
Police describe the suspect as a 20-year-old white male, 5’9”, about 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing jeans, a blue puffer jacket, and a blue baseball cap.
LUPD says the suspect has been arrested and later released, but the university has taken interim action to remove him from campus.
University officials are urging anyone with information, or anyone who may have experienced a similar encounter, to contact the Office of Clery Act Oversight or LUPD.
10 News reached out to Liberty for additional information regarding this incident.
Students are reminded to call LUPD at 434-592-3911 or 911 if they feel they’re in immediate danger. Safety officials also encourage people to leave uncomfortable situations early and ask for help from those nearby if they’re unable to get away.
For support resources and safety information, Liberty University directs students to:
- Office of Equity & Compliance: liberty.edu/title-ix
- Office of Security & Public Safety: liberty.edu/security-public-safety