This timely warning addresses a report of sexual misconduct. Resources are available on and off campus to provide assistance. Visit http://www.psu.edu/hotlines for support.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A sexual assault was reported to University Police at 3:52 a.m. on July 31. The reported assault occurred at 3:38 a.m. on July 31, on the ground floor hallway of Simmons Hall located in the South Halls residence hall complex. The victim, a student, reported an unknown male reached under her skirt and touched her inappropriately. The male fled the area and was last seen running east of Mifflin Hall. Police searched the area and were unable to locate him.
The incident occurred on the ground floor "K" hallway of Simmons Hall located in the South Halls complex. The South Halls complex is located in the central portion of campus, adjacent to Mifflin Road. The suspect is described as a white male between the ages of 17 and 25, with a height between 5-feet 6-inches and 5-feet 10-inches and a weight between 130 and 160 pounds. The suspect has short, dark brown or black hair and was wearing blue jeans a black T-shirt with an unknown design on the front.
University Police also have posted this alert here.
Police have shared the following safety tips:
- Keep doors and windows locked. Report inoperable locks and latches to the appropriate maintenance personnel.
- Do not accept rides or walking accompaniment from people you don't know well or trust.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, get to a safe place and call for help.
- Report all suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to your University Police department immediately.
- Share your destination and planned time of return with someone who you trust.
- Do not admit strangers into your residence hall.
- Sexual Assault is a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania. Sentencing can include up to 10 years in prison, fines and psychiatric treatment.
- Perpetrators are responsible for sexual assaults. Perpetrators take advantage of vulnerability and seek opportunities to commit sexual assaults.
It can be assumed that conditions that continue to exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the University community. It is the duty of the administration to warn of possible "dangerous conditions" on or near the campus, and at affiliate organizations off campus; an "affirmative duty" exists to warn persons associated to the University of possible peril at the hands at some third party or parties.
Penn State University Police can be contacted at 814-863-1111 or 26 Eisenhower Parking Deck, University Park, PA 16802.