On-Campus Rape, Thefts Prompt Crime Alert

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Campus police issue a crime alert and ask for your help to identify three males who detectives say are connected to a series of campus crimes, including a sexual assault.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS from campus police.

NBC 4 spoke with Ohio State University Division of Police Chief Paul Denton Friday afternoon.

Denton confirmed Friday morning's crime alert was the department's third this week and involves what he called a somewhat-complicated case.

The investigation started with two theft cases.

In the first case, a group of males befriended a female student at a local dance club or bar. She invited the males back to her residence hall, Stradley Hall, 153 W. 12th Ave.

An altercation of some sort happened, and the males were kicked out of the dorm room.

A short time later, the female's roommate noticed items were stolen, specifically a watch, a wallet, electronics and video games.

The crime was reported Sunday, Feb. 14.

In the second case, again a group of males befriended a female student at a social event. The males gave her a ride back to her residence hall, Morrill Tower at 1900 Cannon Dr., and walked with her to her dorm room. Sometime after that, she reported becoming unconscious.

The males left.

Her roommate returned and noticed items were missing, including electronics, digital cameras and a laptop computer.

The crime was reported Saturday, Feb. 27.

Detectives linked the cases, and an active investigation began, Denton said.

The female student from Morrill Tower came forward Thursday, March 4, and said she also was sexually assaulted during incident.

Denton said the investigation took a new turn.

Campus police gave these descriptions of the three males:

Suspect No. 1 is a black male who is 6 feet tall with a medium build. He's 19. He has short, black hair and was wearing a gray shirt and jeans.

Suspect No. 2 is a black male who is 5 feet 9 to 10 inches tall with a slender build. He's between 18 and 21 years of age. He has light eyes, maybe hazel. His hair is short and dark. He was wearing a black shirt and jeans. He also was wearing piercing studs in both of his ears and had "nice teeth."

Suspect No. 3 is a black male who is 5 feet 10 to 11 inches tall and has a heavy build. He is 18 to 21 years old. He has short dreadlocks that "stick out from his head." He was wearing eye glasses, a black jacket and dark pants.

Denton said detectives believe the same three males are linked to all of the alleged crimes.

Denton said any possible additional victims are encouraged to come forward to campus police or someone in authority they trust.

Students should have received an e-mail from the VP of Student Life earlier Friday that explains the alleged crimes.

Nancy Radcliffe Campus Advocacy Program Coordinator at the Student Wellness Center said students should:
- Keep your eyes open.
- Be aware.
- Help police identify these individuals.
- Encourage possible victims to seek out support services.

The Vice President for Student Life sent the following letter to students Friday:

"Dear students,

"Your safety and wellness are my highest priority. In the past few days, two Ohio State women students have reported that they were victims of sexual assault, in unrelated incidents. These crimes are terrible violations of the young women who were attacked, and they are reminders that no place is completely exempt from danger, even our own familiar buildings and grounds. I am writing to raise your awareness of the situation and inform you about the resources available to help.

"Most sexual assaults involve people who are known to each other. A person who persists without having consent is committing a very serious crime. Either person being intoxicated is not an excuse for unwanted sex, and may, in fact, make the aggressor more liable, as sexual contact with a person who is unable to give informed consent is illegal and may be prosecuted as rape.

"The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to stay alert and trust your instincts. If you must be out alone after dark, please use the Student Escort Service, which can be reached at (614) 292-3322. Why not program that into your cell phone now? I think everyone understands that too much alcohol can affect your ability to make good decisions. Listening to music through ear buds or talking on a cell phone while walking can also prevent you from hearing or seeing danger signs.

"If you are the victim of sexual assault, whether by someone you know or a stranger, I urge you very strongly to report it as soon as possible. This is important for your own health and recovery and also will improve the chances that the perpetrator can be caught and prosecuted. You can report it wherever you feel most comfortable. The OSU Police Division, our residence hall staff, Counseling and Consultation Service, the Student Wellness Center, Student Health Services, Student Judicial Affairs, and other Student Life offices are all able to help you. The Sexual Violence Education and Support unit in the Student Wellness Center has trained advocates and a number of support services for survivors of sexual assault.

"The OSU Police issue Crime Alerts when there has been a crime reported that indicates that there may be ongoing danger to the university community. To receive these alerts by e-mail, you must sign up here.

"Your safety is my highest concern, and I and the entire staff of the Office of Student Life are here to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time. I, unfortunately, must be away from campus a great deal of the time in the next few weeks, but Dr. Martha Garland is backing me up and filling in as acting vice president for student life. You can reach her through my office.

Please take care of yourselves and look out for each other."

Anyone with information on the crimes was asked to call CPD at 614-645-4545, campus police at 614-292-2121, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS or the University Crime Stoppers at 614-247-TIPS.

Crime alerts issued from the Ohio State University Department of Public Safety can be viewed at http://www.ps.ohio-state.edu/police/crime_alerts/index.php.

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