April 30, 2008

STUDENT ASSAULTED IN FONDREN LIBRARY

An SMU student reported being forcibly fondled by an unknown male at 8:45 p.m. April 29, 2008, on the second floor of Fondren Library.

The student was sitting at a cubicle on the second floor adjacent to the elevators when the suspect sat at the cubicle behind her and moved his chair close to hers. The student moved her chair closer to her desk. A few minutes later, she realized that the unknown male was touching the upper part of her left leg and buttocks with his left hand. She reported the incident to the first-floor circulation desk and the library security officer.

Another student was studying on the first floor at a table near the large northeast windows that face the east entrance near the reference desk. She described the same male suspect, who walked up to her and sat down on the floor behind her chair. She asked the unknown male why he was sitting behind her, and he did not respond. She reported the incident to the circulation desk.

Both students describe the suspect as a white male in his mid-50s with blondish-grey hair, wearing a button-up blue and white striped short sleeve shirt, blue jeans and a blue and white ball cap. The photo of the suspect at right was taken by a Fondren Library security camera.

Crime Prevention Tips

• Report any crime or suspicious activity immediately by calling 911. Time is of the essence in such situations.

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and garages.

• Avoid traveling alone late at night.  Call the SMU police for an escort to your car or residence hall.

Anyone with information about the suspect should contact the SMU Police Department at 214-SMU-3388 or at www.smu.edu/2tip.