A female undergraduate student was sexually assaulted last Tuesday in a parking lot on South Boundary Street, Sam Sadler told the student body on Monday by e-mail.
The student was returning to her residence hall between 3 and 4 a.m. after studying, when a car pulled up and a man she thought she knew offered her a ride, the e-mail reported. When she got in the car, she realized she did not know the man, but he sped away before she was able to leave.
The assailant drove to a parking lot adjacent to the homes on South Boundary Street, where the rape took place.
Sadler described the man as “a white male of medium height, broad shoulders, and around thirty years of age. He has a goatee and was wearing a baseball cap. He is not believed to be a student.” He added, “All we know about the car is that it is black in color.”
Monday afternoon, the student sought medical assistance from the health center. For now, the College is focused on providing medical attention and other forms of support for the woman.
Sadler urged students to be careful, especially given that many students are out late studying for their exams.
“Avoid, if at all possible, being out by yourself - either walking around campus or in the community or studying in isolated locations,” Sadler said. “Please don’t be shy about asking someone to walk or study with you and, if you are asked, please help if you can.”
Sadler recommended students call the campus escort service, ESCORT, at (757) 221-3293, or, if it is past their hours of operation, the campus police, at (757) 221-4596, for the walk home.
Lastly, he urged anyone with any information regarding this case or anything else suspicious they may see or have seen to call campus police.
“I know I speak for all of us when I say how very sorry I am that something like this could happen to a member of our community,” Sadler said. “Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she begins the process of recovery. And, please - stay safe yourself.”