Update on Campus Assault

Feb. 14, 2007 -- According to a crime alert released Monday night by University Police, a female student in Myers Residence Hall reported that at about 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, a male subject she did not know knocked on her residence hall room door. When she opened the door the suspect forced his way into the suite and subsequently sexually assaulted her. She was treated at a local hospital and released.

The Clayton and Washington University police departments are investigating. It has not been determined how the suspect entered the building, but there is no evidence of forced entry to Myers Hall.

The student provided a detailed description of her assailant and police officials released a composite sketch to other law enforcement agencies and to the media Tuesday afternoon at a news conference. The composite sketch is below.

Precautions

The crime alert, which also was posted on campus buildings, reminds students to take the following precautions:

• Report suspicious persons or activity immediately to University Police at 5-5555 or go to the nearest Blue Light Emergency Telephone.
• LOCK YOUR ROOM DOOR. Also be sure and lock your door when you will be showering or sleeping.
• Never prop open exterior doors. If you see a door propped, close it.
• Don't allow people you do not know to "tailgate" behind you into the building.

The University Police Department is headquartered in the center of the South 40, where officers are available to respond quickly to student concerns and requests. For more information, go to police.wustl.edu.

Other services the University offers include:

• Blue Light Emergency Telephones
• Escorts
• Women's Self-Defense Program
• Safety Whistles
• Emergency Transportation