Contact: Maridith Geuder
Following an early morning off-campus incident today [Sept. 12], MSU officials are urging students to use caution when walking, jogging or biking.
A non-MSU individual reported a 5:15 a.m. attack and attempted sexual assault on University Drive in the vicinity of Jarnigan Street, according to the Starkville Police Department. She was able to fend off the attacker and escape.
The assailant is described as a medium-build, college-age black male wearing a hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans. Additionally, he had a mustache and medium-length black hair, the victim said.
According to SPD, the assailant was last seen running east on University Drive towards the MSU campus.
"The MSU Police Department is cooperating with local officials in the investigation, and we urge anyone with information to call MSU Police at 662-325-2121; Starkville Police at 662-323-4131; or the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151," said Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students.
"Students should take every precaution for their personal safety and be alert to their surroundings at all times," he said. "It is a good idea to have a 'buddy'' along and to let someone know where you'll be."
Bourgeois reminds students that the MSU Police Department provides an escort on request through the Bully Patrol. "Safety should always be the top priority," he said.
For more personal safety tips, see http://police.msstate.edu/safetytips/.