COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State campus is on alert after three sexual assault reports over the weekend.
Campus police say a female OSU student contacted them just before 10:30 Saturday morning to report a rape that happened between the hours of 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. in the Park-Stradley residence hall.
Police say the victim invited the suspect, who told her he was a student named “Corey,” to the dorm after meeting him earlier in the evening. The man is described as 22-23 years old, white, 5’8”/150 lbs. and was wearing a light blue long-sleeve dress shirt and khaki pants. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
At approximately 8:21 p.m., a female who was not affiliated with the university reported a possible sexual assault at E. 15th Avenue and N. Pearl Street, according to an emailed safety bulletin.
Finally, police say a female student reported being sexually assaulted by two men E. 12th Avenue and N. Pearl at 10:00 p.m.
Although two of the incidents took place off-campus, OSU police believe they are similar enough that they could present an “ongoing threat” to the safety of students.
In the first case, the woman described her assailant only as a white male and in the third, the victim described two white male suspects, both ages 18-20 years of age, 5’10” tall, weighing between 200 and 250 pounds and wearing dark shorts and tennis shoes. The suspect in the second incident is described only as a white man. The Columbus Division of Police is investigating both reports.
University police say students can stay safe by being cautious and looking out for each other, being aware of their surroundings and ”looking assertive.”
According to the bulletin, police recommend walking with a trusted friend or co-worker when possible and say, if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative, take campus transportation and take advantage of safety resources.
Anyone with information concerning the crimes should contact
either the OSU Police at 614-292-2121 or Columbus Police at 614-645-4545.