BOSTON UNIVERSITY POLICE CRIME ALERT: SEXUAL ASSAULT

10/25/2023 UPDATE

This is an update on two sexual assault incidents reported to Boston University Police on Tuesday 10/24/2023. We commend the students for their willingness to come forward and report the incidents, as it highlights the partnership between the Boston University community and the Boston University Police Department in keeping our community safe.

In each incident, the suspect inappropriately touched the reporting person. Based on our preliminary investigation, it appeared the same suspect was involved in each case, and Boston University Police officers with the assistance of Boston Police were able to arrest the suspect overnight on an outstanding warrant. With the arrest, the individual is no longer a threat to the community. Our thoughts are with our students that were assaulted, and the University has offered them support.

We thank the Boston Police Department for their assistance, and encourage anyone with information on these, or other incidents, to contact BUPD at (617) 353-2121. This case demonstrates the fine work of BUPD officers and the Department’s commitment to identify and hold offenders accountable. We will continue to be a resource and provide our community with support.

10/24/2023

Please see detailed information below regarding several concerning incidents that have occurred on campus. BUPD is providing this information to help you make informed decisions and to help keep our community safe.

Incident #1: On Tuesday, 10/24/2023 at 10:45 a.m., a BU student reported that an unknown person touched them inappropriately while walking down the sidewalk in the BU Central area near 617 Commonwealth Ave. The student did not see who touched them as the sidewalk was very crowded at the time. At this time there is no description to provide, and person has not been located.

Incident #2: On Tuesday, 10/24/2023 at 7:10 p.m., a BU student reported that an unknown person touched them inappropriately while riding on the BU Bus traveling near 595 Commonwealth Ave. The person was unknown to the student. Student was able to get away from this person. Police have not located the suspect.

Suspect: The male was wearing a baggy jacket, baggy pants, black shoes and an “Under Armour” brand black backpack. The student described the suspect as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, 5 ft. 5 inches in height, with a goatee beard. The student reported the male appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance.

Follow Up: Based on preliminary information BUPD believes these incidents are related. We encourage anyone who may have information to come forward and share information with the BUPD at (617) 353-2121. Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by texting the word ‘BU’ to TIP411 (847911). The BUPD will protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.

The following is provided as a reminder to our BU Community:

Sexual Assault Reporting Resources on Campus

BU Police Department: BUPD has specially trained officers to investigate sexual assaults. BU Police will make every effort to offer survivors a choice to speak with a male or female officer. In addition, the BU Police will help a survivor, who wishes to do so, make contact with helpful resources both on or off campus. 617-353-2121 www.bu.edu/police

Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SARP): For emotional support, assistance in reporting, and to learn more about your available options, contact Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SARP), Boston University’s primary, confidential, on-campus resource for issues pertaining to sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment and domestic/dating violence. 617-353-7277 http://www.bu.edu/shs/sarp

Equal Opportunity Office: Responds to complaints of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence against non-students (employees, affiliates, or non-affiliates) and will take immediate action to eliminate the offending conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. 617-358-1796 https://www.bu.edu/eoo/sexual-misconduct-title-ix/policy-and-procedures/

BU Dean of Students Office of Judicial Affairs: Responds to complaints of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual violence against students and will take immediate action to eliminate the offending conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Handles all BU student judicial conduct cases and is the primary administrator of the Code of Student Responsibilities. The Student Code is a body of principles consisting of the University’s expectations of its students, provisions for sanctioning rule violations, and due process mechanisms. 617-358-0700 http://www.bu.edu/dos/ja/

Off Campus Resources:

  • Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) 1-800-841-8371 | www.barcc.org
  • SAFELINK Domestic Violence Hotline 1-877-785-2020
  • Victim Rights Law Center 617-399-6720 | www.victimrights.org

Risk reduction/Safety precautions:

  • Rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the survivor. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault.
  • The most common type of sexual assault occurs between individuals known to one another. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors.
  • Never get into a vehicle with a person you do not know. Be sure to double check the license plate on ride share apps.
  • Do not prop doors to your building.
  • Do not sign guests into your building unless you know the person.
  • Do not allow people into your building unless you know them. If you feel uncomfortable confronting someone about this call BUPD and we will come to assist you.
  • Sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent. If you engage in sex, be sure you understand your partner’s limits, and communicate your own limits. Do not engage in sexual activities without affirmative consent from your partner(s).

See Something Say Something

  • If you do not feel comfortable intervening in any situation, notify someone who can (party host, a friend, BU Police, 911, etc.).
  • Program your cell phone with the BU Police emergency number 617-353-2121. Call this number if you become uncomfortable in any situation on or near the BU Charles River, Fenway or Medical Campus. We are ready to respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you are off campus call
  • Text BUPD anonymously by texting “BU” to 847411.

Additional considerations for your safety

  • If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency telephone or dial 3-2121 from any on campus telephone.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Trust your intuition – if a particular makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative.
  • Let your friends know when you are leaving and arriving at your destination at the end of the night.

Sexual Assault Programs and Procedures

Boston University is committed to educating the campus community in ways to prevent sexual assault. Throughout the academic year and during orientation, SARP, Student Health Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, the BU Police, and certain student organizations deliver educational programs to parents, students, employees, and other members of the community. These sessions provide information on preventing sexual assault and rape, supporting friends who are survivors of sexual assault, security programs, and on being a pro-social bystander.

Issued by:

Boston University Police Department

617-353-2121

WHAT IS THIS NOTICE?

This notice is a timely warning message. Boston University Police has information to share about a crime on campus.

FEEDBACK: We welcome your feedback to help make our messages better. Please send to bupolice@bu.edu

 

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