Police investigate reported assault near campus, ask for community’s help

According to the “Baylor Timely Warning” email at approximately 12:10 a.m., a male assailant came up behind a woman and grabbed her around her waist. Illustration by Jessica Hubble | Multimedia Editor

By Kalyn Story | News Editor

Baylor police are actively investigating the report of an assault on campus early Thursday morning and are asking for help from the Baylor community identifying the suspect.

At approximately 12:10 a.m., a male assailant came up behind a woman and grabbed her around her waist, according to the “Baylor Timely Warning” email. The victim reported breaking away and running from the assailant before calling the Baylor Police Department.

According to the victim, the assailant fled the area, running south on South Fifth Street away from campus. Baylor’s police department conducted a thorough search of the area. There were no weapons involved, and the complainant was not injured.

In Baylor’s email to students, faculty and staff the assailant is described as a male, 5 feet, 7 inches, 150 pounds and wearing a gray hoodie and black or dark pants with light colored shoes. His race is unknown.

The police are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or suspicious individuals around the time and location of the attack to contact the police department at 254-710-2222.

In direct response to the incident, Baylor police are increasing patrols on campus.

Police are encouraging all faculty staff and students to walk around campus in pairs, not to use headphones when walking around campus at night and to always be alert and cautious of your surroundings.

Baylor reminds students, faculty and staff to utilize Baylor’s Security Escort Program, in which a Baylor security officer or police officer will escort individuals to destinations on and around Baylor’s campus. Those wishing to request an escort can call 254-710-2211.

The Baylor Alert email also mentioned the “BU Campus Guardian Mobile Safety App,” encouraging students to utilize the security app, which includes features such as texting the police department, emergency call buttons and a safety timer for the app to virtually walk you home.

“If you see suspicious activity or feel threatened in any way, immediately call the Baylor University Police Department at 254-710-2222 or 9-1-1,” Baylor said in a “Baylor Alert” email following the incident. “(If you See Something, Say Something).”