Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State officials are urging that students be vigilant in taking precautions for personal safety after a reported assault Sunday evening [Aug. 12] on campus.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., a 19-year-old female jogging on the university's bike path along the western edge of campus said she was approached by what she described as a black male in his mid-20s, wearing a gray tank top, black shorts and tan gardening gloves. According to the report, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim.
The incident subsequently was reported to campus police, who are investigating, said Dean of Students Mike White.
"In addition to sending out a timely warning to the entire campus community, we are increasing our police patrols significantly," he said. "We will have more uniformed officers out on foot, on bicycles, in golf carts, and in squad cars."
White said a system-wide e-mail advisory has been sent to all MSU students and employees. Even with an increased police presence, he said all members of the campus community are being reminded to observe safety precautions that include:
--Never traveling on foot alone after dark, or traveling only in well-lit areas with a group;
--Locking doors and windows of vehicles and residences;
--Being conscious of surroundings at all times;
--Reporting suspicious activities or people to the MSU Police Department or calling 911 in case of an emergency; and
--Requesting a campus escort by police officers.
"We urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the MSU Police at 662-325-2121," White said.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.