Campus Life

Police investigating report of sexual assault

This warning addresses a report of sexual misconduct. Resources are available on and off campus to provide assistance. Visit http://www.psu.edu/hotlines for support. This notification is in compliance with the “Timely Warning ” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A sexual assault was reported to Penn State University Police at University Park at 6 a.m. on Nov. 1. The reported assault occurred some time between 1 and 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 1, in the first floor Johnston Commons women’s restroom located in the East Halls residence halls complex. The East Halls complex is located in the north eastern portion of campus, adjacent to Curtin Road and Bigler Road.

The suspect was described as a white, college-age male with short brown hair, and was of average height and build. The suspect may have been wearing a gray T-shirt.

The victim, a student, reported that the unknown male, who she had just met, pulled her into a restroom and inappropriately touched her, attempting to force her to commit sexual acts.

This report also is posted on the University Police website, here: http://www.police.psu.edu/psu-police/crime-alerts.cfm.

It can be assumed that conditions continue to exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the University community. It is the duty of the institution to warn of possible “dangerous conditions” on or near the campus, and at affiliate organizations off campus; an “affirmative duty” exists to warn persons associated with this University of possible peril at the hands of some third party or parties.University Police would also like to remind the community to:

  • Get verbal consent from your partner
  • Don't assume you know what the other person wants
  • Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to do. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason.
  • Listen to your partner. If you're receiving unclear messages, stop.
  • Sexual assault is a second-degree felony in the state of Pennsylvania. Sentencing can include up to 10 years in prison, fines and psychiatric treatment.

If you have any information that might be helpful in this investigation, contact Penn State University Police at 814-863-1111; visit in person at 26 Eisenhower Parking Deck, University Park, PA 16802; or report anonymously by visiting http://www.police.psu.edu and clicking on the “report a crime" link.

Last Updated August 6, 2020