A 19-year-old male unaffiliated with the University has been sentenced to four months of probation for attempting to steal from a student’s purse in the Marvin Center this summer.

A judge in D.C. District Court ruled Wednesday that Moses Knight of Southwest, D.C. was guilty of attempted theft.  Knight, a first time offender, was also given a $50 fine and 10 hours of community service.

A student caught Knight reaching into her purse, which was by her side in the Marvin Center, on June 25.  After she confronted Knight, he fled the area and was detained by two UPD officers while trying to get into a cab. Knight also had a can of pepper spray on his possession.

If Knight fails to serve the judge’s order, he will be sentenced to 45 days in prison,UPD Chief Kevin Hay said.