Longwood University Police Department (LUPD) has identified Javonte Elijah Juan Williams, 23, as the suspect from an armed robbery on Saturday, April 7 at 2:47 p.m. at the Longwood Landings. The victim and suspect knew each other and wasn’t random, according to Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tim Pierson.
LUPD Chief Col. Bob Beach said that a young man, who is a Longwood student, was having a conversation with Williams, a Farmville resident, in the victim’s room. Williams robbed the student and ran out of the room.
“An altercation happened over some money that was owed and the suspect pulls out a revolver pistol,” said Beach. “No shots were fired and no one was hurt during this incident”.
Having joint jurisdiction in Farmville, Farmville Police Department (FPD) and LUPD were able to obtain footage of the suspect running in the hallways and into the street of Midtown, which helped identified the suspect.
The victim called 911 and reported the incident, the FDP informed LUPD of the call and sent officers to the scene. With the help of the victim, they were able to identify the suspect as Williams, according to Chief Beach.
“The suspect is now under custody and is apprehended in Piedmont Regional Jail,” said Beach.
According to Beach, Williams faces charges of armed robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He still waits for an arraignment and trial.
“There are still key elements under investigation,” said Beach.
LUPD is still investigating how the suspect was able to enter the building but they believe that he could’ve tailgated in, meaning that someone let him in, according to Beach.
At 3:22 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, a campus wide warning was sent out via e2Campus with a description of the suspect stating "he was last seen running away from campus".
“If an event triggers an emergency or an alarm, a warning is sent out by e2Campus to all students and faculty. LUPD are called and respond immediately where they conduct an assessment if there is an immediate danger," said Pierson.
In the incident that happened on Saturday, “the suspect had run away from campus, so it was not considered an ongoing threat to campus.” said Pierson.
“If the suspect had run towards campus, (then) there would be a lockdown, resulting another e2Campus message being sent out,” said Pierson.
Pierson recommended that if you see something, say something and don’t hesitate to call authorities, if you suspect something.
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Longwood Landings apartments located at South Main St.
