April 1, 2015
15-104

Jessica Pope
Communications and Media Relations Coordinator

Two Charged in March 19 Robbery by Sudden Snatching

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta State University Police Department has made two arrests in the robbery by sudden snatching that occurred on campus on Thursday, March 19.

Kelvin Jermaine Wright, 19, of Valdosta, is charged with robbery by snatching. He was taken into custody around 8 p.m. Tuesday night.   

Lekenry Bernard Roberts, 20, of Valdosta, is charged with driving without a license. He is accused of driving the vehicle used during the commission of the crime and was apprehended within 24 hours of the incident.

The suspects’ apprehension was a collaborative effort between the VSU Police Department, Valdosta Police Department, and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

Oswell “Oz” Armour, VSU’s interim chief of police and director of public safety, said that evidence obtained from the surveillance cameras positioned throughout campus was instrumental in identifying a suspect in this case. He said that additional charges may be forthcoming.

The robbery by sudden snatching incident was reported around 5:17 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. A female victim told police that an unknown, unarmed black male of husky build standing roughly 5 feet 11 inches tall and wearing a light green-colored shirt approached her near the Student Recreation Center entrance at 1300 Sustella Ave. and grabbed her cellphone. The suspect then fled the scene in a tan-colored Chevrolet Tahoe.

The victim, a VSU student, was not injured during the incident.

About the Valdosta State University Police Department

The Valdosta State University Police Department is committed to doing all that is possible to build an environment that promotes a feeling of safety and security. Police officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They protect life and property, preserve the peace, prevent and repress crime, investigate reported offenses, apprehend offenders, enforce regulations and laws relating to traffic control, collect and preserve physical evidence, prepare cases for court prosecution or disciplinary action, recover lost and stolen property, provide general police services to the university community, and establish and maintain an enforcement policy which is consistent with the requirements of the law and with the best traditions of a democratic society.

The Valdosta State University Police Department offers a variety of crime-prevention programs and information sources to help the university community deal with safety issues. One such safety initiative is the police escort service. This program provides additional protection to all university faculty, staff, students, and visitors while walking around campus. It is in operation around the clock, and officers are prepared to provide a walking escort to any member of the VSU community to any location on campus upon request. Those who wish to utilize the service should simply dial (229) 333-7816 or use one of the emergency phones located throughout the campus. 

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/

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