In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 the University Police are giving notice of a disturbing act of violence reported to have occurred on Shortlidge Road near Simmons Hall, on the University Park campus of Penn State.UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A kidnapping was reported to have occurred at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, on Shortlidge Road near Simmons Hall in the south central portion of campus. The incident was reported to authorities on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The suspects, who were not known to the victim, are described as college aged, white males of average height and weight, wearing dark, hooded sweatshirts and scarves covering their faces.The victim, a student, reported that a dark colored sedan traveling south on Shortlidge Road stopped and a white male exited the vehicle, grabbed her off the sidewalk and forced her into the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled south on Shortlidge Road to College Avenue. The vehicle continued off campus to an unknown location where the victim was forced out of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle attempted to indecently assault the victim, but the victim was able to escape on foot.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.
Police urge members of the campus community to:
-- Use the buddy system and walk with a friend or use the Safe Walk Service at 814-865-WALK (9255)-- Report suspicious persons and activity immediately to 911 or 814-863-1111-- Be aware of your surroundings and seek help if you feel endangeredAnyone with information that might be helpful in this investigation should contact Penn State University Police at 814-863-1111; at 26 Eisenhower Parking Deck, University Park; or anonymously at http://www.police.psu.edu by clicking on “Silent Witness.”
Submit tips to Centre County Crimestoppers via email at tip@centrecountycrimestoppers.org. Those providing information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of as much as $1,000 from Centre County CrimeStoppers.