Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Following an investigation that involved Mississippi State University police, the FBI, and other law enforcement officials, authorities have determined that the reported abduction of a female student earlier today (Wednesday, Feb. 29) was a hoax.
"When interviewed, the student recanted her account of events," said Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students. He added that the student faces charges for filing a false report.
"Student safety is a serious issue and one of our top priorities, and this false report has caused unnecessary alarm and anxiety for our campus community," he said.
Bourgeois added: "We do, however, want to remind students that they should always be aware of their surroundings and be alert to conditions that may be cause for alarm."
Among measures in place to assist with safety are campus emergency boxes and the Bully Patrol, a service provided by MSU Police to provide campus escorts for students who request them.
"We also encourage students who must be out at night to have a "buddy" accompany them if possible," Bourgeois said.