BUPD Investigating Sexual Assault
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Boston University Police are investigating the report of an alleged sexual assault that took place in a bathroom of the Warren Towers residence hall early Sunday morning. BU Police Chief Thomas Robbins said a female visitor who was not a BU student told police that she was sexually assaulted by an unidentified white male in his early 20s. The alleged victim, who was visiting a friend at Warren Towers, was taken to Beth Israel Hospital, where she was treated and given counseling. Boston University police officers specially trained in rape investigations are currently conducting a full investigation. They are examining all forensic evidence, reviewing tapes and other logs of everyone who entered or left the building, and interviewing possible witnesses. The chief of police said he is posting an officer on 24-hour watch at the building, adding additional security patrols in residence halls, and collaborating on the investigation with other area police departments.
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said the University will do everything it can to support the victim of any sexual assault and that University counselors are available to any and all students who are anxious and upset.
“We understand that for many of you this is a disturbing incident,” said Elmore. “We encourage you to remain vigilant as you, your friends, and your fellow residents go about your lives on campus — lock your door, be mindful of your surroundings, and do not let someone you do not know into your residence building.”
Elmore, who planned to meet Sunday night with resident assistants and residents of Warren Towers, has asked the Residence Life staff to be available for questions and to assist in making quick referrals that may help students as they deal with this difficult news. He also urged students who feel a need to talk a counselor to call Student Health Services at 617-353-3569 to arrange for a confidential consultation with a specialist trained to provide assistance to victims of rape, sexual assault, and other traumatic incidents.
Any students who have information about the Sunday morning incident, or about any allegations of sexual assault, are asked to immediately contact the Boston University Police at 617-353-2121. The suspect has been described as a white male in his early 20s, tanned, with long wavy brown hair. He is reported to be about 5’10”, with an athletic build, and weighing around 170 pounds. He was said to have been wearing white sneakers, dark jeans, and a bright blue T-shirt. All sources of information will be kept confidential.
Art Jahnke can be reached at jahnke@bu.edu.
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