West Virginia University Police are seeking witnesses to an assault that occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. Friday.

Victims and a witness reported that three white males had jumped another white male. The suspects were last seen traveling on University Avenue. The suspects reportedly left after a witness approached and called 911. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the WVU Police at 293-2677 or 293-COPS, Captain Phil Scott.

UPD reminds students and the community of the risks associated with such violent acts:

Criminal Arrest:

�61-2-9. Malicious or unlawful assault; assault; battery; penalties.

• (a) If any person maliciously shoot, stab, cut or wound any person, or by any means cause him bodily injury with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill, he shall, except where it is otherwise provided, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be punished by confinement in the penitentiary not less than two nor more than ten years. If such act be done unlawfully, but not maliciously, with the intent aforesaid, the offender shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall, in the discretion of the court, either be confined in the penitentiary not less than one nor more than five years, or be confined in jail not exceeding twelve months and fined not exceeding five hundred dollars.
  (b) Assault.—If any person unlawfully attempts to commit a violent injury to the person of another or unlawfully commits an act which places another in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be confined in jail for not more than six months, or fined not more than one hundred dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment.
  (c) Battery.—If any person unlawfully and intentionally makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the person of another or unlawfully and intentionally causes physical harm to another person, he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be confined in jail for not more than twelve months, or fined not more than five hundred dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment.

Potential liability for the injuries:

• The victim could sue for the cost of injuries and damages and the court can order restitution if the victim does not file a suit. These bills could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars and destroy your future.

Lost opportunities:

• An educational opportunity lost and lost earnings.

-WVU-

br/04/04/14

CONTACT: University Relations/News
304.293.6997

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