Newport News, Va. - Newport News police are searching for a man who they say tried to rob two students using a handgun.
Both incidents happened on Thursday morning. Police say around 6:40 a.m. and again at 6:55 a.m., a mab approached first a 16-year-old girl, then a 16-year-old boy, both Woodside High School students.
Police say the man approached each victim, produced a handgun, and went through each of their backpacks. Police say in each case, the man ran away, taking nothing. No injuries were reported.
Officials say both students were walking to school at the time of the incidents, in the area of Winslow and Elsie Drive. Police say students use this area to cross a wooded portion of school property during their walk to school. They say the wooded area is approximately one quarter mile from the school.
The victims describe the suspect as a black man, possibly a teenager, wearing dark clothing and a dark colored bandana covering his face. They say he is 5’4” to 5’7” tall with a medium to thick build.
Police are conducting interviews with the victims, and searching the area in an attempt to locate and identify the suspect.
Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to call Newport News Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Crime Line callers may remain totally anonymous, are never required to testify in court, and could be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.
Information may also be sent by text message to nocrime@nngov.com.
