An 18-year-old male unaffiliated with GW was arrested Monday night near the Marvin Center for attempted theft and weapon possession.

Moses Knight of Southwest, D.C. tried to steal a wallet out of a female student’s purse left unattended in the building, University Police Department Captain Mark Balazik said.

When the student confronted the suspect, Balazik added, Knight fled and UPD was notified.

“GW Police officers canvassed the building and the surrounding area,” Balazik said in an email. “GW Police officers observed the suspect get into a taxicab and apprehended him.”

Following 7:40 p.m. arrest, a can of pepper spray was found in Knight’s pocket.