West Chester University on alert after recent assaults

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- Students at a local college are on edge following two assaults close to the school.

Many West Chester University students live in homes located several blocks off campus.

The university sent out a text alert informing students that in recent days two students were robbed and assaulted in the area.

That news has some students on edge and rethinking their nightly routines.

West Chester student Camdyn Thompson says, "When you see one about a robbery and then another one, like, the next night you feel like it's a pandemic - like it's going to keep happening and happening. So it kind of freaks you out a little bit."

West Chester Borough police are investigating.

Police Sgt. Louis DeShullo tells us, "In each case a lone victim was approached by two to three males. The suspects demanded that the victim hand over their personal property - money, cell phones."

Saturday night, just before midnight, a male student was walking on East Nields Street at Sharon Alley when two men came up and demanded his cell phone. They didn't take it, but did hit the victim several times causing bruises.

Earlier on Thursday night, around 10:00 p.m., a male student was approached by two to three suspects in the area of Sharpless and Darlington Streets. They demanded whatever he had in his pockets, which turned out to be nothing, so they shoved him to the ground and took off.

WCU student Grant Shalski says, "I have night class until 10 on Thursdays and live down there, so I walk right like this. That's where it happened. I coulda gotten jumped if it was me but it wasn't."

Some students said they're taking precautions to make sure they don't become the next victim.

Camdyn Thompson says, "A lot lately we've been doing this 'text me when you get home' thing. It's not like I'm worried about them drinking and walking home. I am worried about someone stopping them on their way home."

Police are advising students to be aware of their surroundings, try to walk in groups, and if they become a victim - report it right away.