PERSONAL SAFETY ALERT
The University is issuing this alert in an effort to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to provide timely information to the University community.
A student reported that on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at approximately 8:45 PM, she was attacked near the northwest section of the Central Parking Lot as she was getting into her car to leave campus. An unknown male approached her and asked for directions, then threw her to the ground and kicked her several times. The student reported she was slammed into a car and received cuts from a bladed instrument the male was brandishing, perhaps a straight-edged razor. The student was able to break away from the male and return to her vehicle. She got into her vehicle and drove away from campus. The information we've received is that the student's injuries were not life-threatening and did not require immediate medical attention. According to the student, her assailant was a large male, tall, perhaps 6'2"-6'4", wearing a long-sleeve dark turtleneck, gray pants, mask and gloves.
Police Services learned about the incident the following morning from people on campus who had been told about the incident. Police Services immediately initiated attempts to contact the student and briefly spoke with her later that day. We have not been able to conduct a detailed interview with the student and obtain a formal statement. Therefore we have limited information to pass along at this time. The investigation is continuing. Police Services consulted the Memphis Police Department and they have no reports of any recent, similar attacks in this area. Police Services will keep the University community informed of any critical information that becomes available. In the interim, our police officers are focusing their patrols in and around the parking lots.
This alert is being issued to remind everyone to take extra precautions, especially while out at night. If you are on campus, call 678-4663 or 678-4357 for a Tiger Patrol or Police escort. Remember to always observe what's going on around you and try not to walk alone. However, if you are walking alone and you feel threatened, go to the nearest public place and call the University Police. Remember that the campus emergency phones and parking gate phones can be used to immediately contact the University Police. You can also program the Police phone number into your cell phone, preferably into speed dial.
If you are unfortunate and become a crime victim, remember that it is usually in your best interests to comply with the criminal's demands. As soon as you can, go to a safe place and call the police. When the police arrive try to remember to tell the police as much as you can remember about the suspect, such as gender, race, approximate age, height, weight and build, eye color, hair color and style, a clothing description, and the direction in which the suspect fled. Prompt reporting to the police greatly increases the chances of solving crimes. If you witness a crime or have information about a crime, you can report the information anonymously by submitting a "Silent Witness" report by visiting the Public Safety - Police Services web page at http://bf.memphis.edu/police or by calling CrimeStoppers at 528-(CASH).The University of Memphis is concerned about your safety and well-being and is working to keep you safe and well informed.
PERSONAL SAFETY ALERT
Bruce Harber, Director of Public Safety
Date Issued: October 29, 2004
