By Hannah Webb | News Editor
Baylor University Police Department is investigating a reported sexual assault that occurred early Thursday morning on campus in the 100 block of Bagby Avenue, according to a Baylor Timely Warning sent to the university community Thursday. This location is near the Baylor Science Building.
BUPD received a report of the sexual assault at approximately 1:15 a.m. Thursday, according to the alert. The victim and suspect were not connected prior to the incident.
The victim is not a Baylor student, faculty or staff member, and police have not yet determined whether the suspect is affiliated with the university.
BUPD said it is actively investigating the incident and has increased its presence in the area. University and local resources were provided to the victim, and Baylor’s Title IX office was notified to provide additional resources.
“Because this is an active BUPD investigation, we’re not able to provide additional information at this time,” the university said in a statement to The Baylor Lariat.
Mansfield senior Catie Hallmon said she was concerned after receiving the warning, particularly because students may still be on campus late at night studying or returning to their residence halls.
“I mean, it looks like the time they say it happened [in the] middle of the night, but I feel like it’s kind of scary,” Hallmon said. “Do they not have people watching all the time? Because you could be walking home after studying, and that could be you.”
Hallmon said she has generally viewed Baylor’s campus as separated from some of the safety concerns she associates with the surrounding Waco area.
“I feel like the Waco area is not great sometimes, but I feel like normally it’s a clear divide with campus and off-campus stuff, or that’s how I felt like it was,” Hallmon said. “But [this] kind of contradicts it.”
Houston freshman Kashika Adhikari had not yet seen the Timely Warning when interviewed but said the report raised concerns for students who are on campus late at night.
“I don’t study or try to go out that late, but I have friends who do that, and I’m also pre-med, so I’m around that area a lot,” Adhikari said. “I think [these] are things that should be monitored, and I think that police should be doing their job, making rounds and, in the future, be more vigilant about these things.”
Adhikari lives in North Russell Hall on the side facing Dutton Avenue and said she often thinks about where she is situated on campus.
Baylor issues Timely Warnings for Clery Act crimes that have already occurred and that the university determines may represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees.
BUPD encouraged students, faculty and staff to remain aware of their surroundings and immediately report suspicious activity or emergencies to BUPD at 254-710-2222, 911 or through the BU Campus Guardian app. The app includes features like a Safety Timer, one-click connection with BUPD communications, a way to anonymously submit a tip and a content directory for Baylor resources.
The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
