Campus Safety Notification - May 20, 2009

Recent Sex Abuse and Indecent Exposure Incidents

EPD NEWS RELEASE
May 20, 2009
For further information, contact:
Jenna LaBounty, EPD Public Information Specialist, at 682-5197, or
Melinda Kletzok, EPD Public Information Director, at 682-5124

EPD is Seeking Suspect in Sex Abuse Incident
Case No. 09-09317

Eugene Police are putting out information and suspect descriptions for two incidents that occurred Monday night with the hope that if there are other potential victims or parties with information, they can help in identifying the subject or subjects. Due to the similar suspect descriptions and location, investigators are looking into the possibility that an indecent exposure and a sex abuse incident were committed by the same person.

Monday at 9:30 p.m., two 20-year-old females were walking on Harris Street near East 19th Avenue when they noticed a male in front of them wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt. As they passed the house that they had seen the male in front of a subject jumped from the bushes with his pants down exposing his genitals. The two victims ran from the area only to be approached by the man again at the intersection of East 21st Avenue and Harris Street where he again exposed his genitals. The women reached their location and contacted police who responded and conducted a search, but did not locate the suspect.

Approximately 30 minutes later police received a report of a sexual abuse from a 25-year-old woman who was near the corner of East 23rd Avenue and Harris Street when a man approached her asking for directions. As the woman turned to point and provide him an answer the suspect grabbed her from behind. The victim was able to free herself and the suspect fled westbound on East 23rd Avenue turning onto Alder Street. The victim called 9-1-1 and police arrived to conduct a search, but the man was already gone from the area.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTON:
Both suspects were described as a white male, approximately 20-years-old, 5'8"-6'0", 150 to 160 pounds, tan skin with an athletic build, and blonde hair. At the time of the incidents the male was seen wearing dark grey hooded pullover sweatshirt, and dark pants.

Anyone with information about similar incidents or who observed either of these cases, are asked to call Detective Tony Veach at 682.5172.

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
* Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them. The University of Oregon has several options for safety (see UO Safety Information, below)
* Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don't walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves
* Be aware of your surroundings at all times
* Walk confidently and don't avoid eye contact
* Don't let strangers into your 'space.' Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don't wish to approach you.
* Don't stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
* If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1
* If you see someone who makes you feel unsafe or who is engaged in questionable activities, avoid going near them
* If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
* Do not get into someone's car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.