Crime Alert

Woman reports being assaulted, police investigating

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State University Police Department is investigating an assault and battery of a 19-year-old student that occurred between 10:20 to 10:40 p.m. Sept. 3, on the sidewalk between the MSU Computer Center and Parking Ramp 2.

The woman escaped uninjured, according to police, after the suspect attempted to drag her into some bushes. The student had left the library and was riding her bike on the River Trail between the Computer Center and Ramp 2, before getting off her bicycle to re-adjust a bag she was carrying, police said.

As she looked up, she saw a man walking toward her who grabbed her clothing and tried to pull her into some nearby bushes. She broke free after she hit the suspect with her bag, got back on her bicycle and rode to her residence where she notified the hall staff who contacted the police.

The suspect is described as a white man, early 20s, approximately 6 feet tall, 170 to180 pounds with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a T-shirt, dark-colored jeans and a navy back pack.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact the MSU Police at (517) 355-2222.

Safety Tips

Here are some safety tips from the MSU Police:

  1. Call 911 if you are in danger.
  2. Walk in well-lit areas if possible.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings and others in the area.
  4. Realize that listening to headphones or iPods or talking on your cell while walking decreases your awareness of your surroundings.
  5. Walk with others when possible.

Services Available

CATA Bus Customer Services

(517) 432-2282, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

CATA Night Owl

(517) 432-8888, Monday through Friday, 2 a.m.-7a.m.

Use any campus green light phone to call the CATA Night Owl. The bus will arrive within 20 minutes of calling.

For information on IM self-defense classes on campus, call (517) 432-2661.