  We show that the Vietoris-Rips complex $\mathcal R(n,r)$ built over $n$
points sampled at random from a uniformly positive probability measure on a
convex body $K\subseteq \mathbb R^d$ is a.a.s. contractible when $r \geq c
\left(\frac{\ln n}{n}\right)^{1/d}$ for a certain constant that depends on $K$
and the probability measure used. This answers a question of Kahle [Discrete
Comput. Geom. 45 (2011), 553-573]. We also extend the proof to show that if $K$
is a compact, smooth $d$-manifold with boundary - but not necessarily convex -
then $\mathcal R(n,r)$ is a.a.s. homotopy equivalent to $K$ when $c_1
\left(\frac{\ln n}{n}\right)^{1/d} \leq r \leq c_2$ for constants $c_1=c_1(K),
c_2=c_2(K)$. Our proofs expose a connection with the game of cops and robbers.
