Temple Police Step Up Patrols In Response To Attempted Rape Of Student
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Temple Police have stepped up patrols in response to an attempted rape of a Temple student off campus.
Eyewitness News captured exclusive video of a man being led out in handcuffs by Temple University police from an abandoned home.
Neighbors say the man is homeless and often stays in the abandoned building on the 1500 block of Oxford Street where late Wednesday night, in a lot adjacent to the building authorities say a Temple University student fell victim to an attempted rape.
Temple police would not say if the arrest was in any way connected to the attack.
But Temple Senior, Miya Aitchison told Eyewitness News what she saw Tuesday night, "There were three girls with a Temple security guard and they were filing a report. He was on his walkie-talkie and was calling police."
According to authorities, the victim was walking home alone and texting on her cell phone when an unknown male pushed her from behind. Authorities say the man then forced the victim into the lot and tried to pull her pants down. Fortunately, a woman walking by began yelling, startling the attacker who ran away.
University officials detailed the incident in a memo sent to students and staff.
Temple student Jeniffer Singley said, "That's not actually anything expected like we usually find it to be a safe area."
But hoping to prevent another attack, University officials included in the memo a reminder asking students:
1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not use distracting devices such as cell phones and iPods when walking, especially while traveling alone.
2. Do not engage, or become engaged, in conversations with strangers.
3. Avoid dark or hidden walkways and the temptation to use shortcuts and informal pathways.
4. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave the area and go somewhere safe.
5. Take advantage of the Owl Loop and TUr Door services. The Owl Loop is for on-campus transportation, while TUr Door shuttle service transports students from campus to nearby locations. Both are available from 5 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. More information can be found on the Campus Safety Services website at www.temple.edu/safety.
6. Never hesitate to contact Temple Police if you feel unsafe by calling 1-1234 from a campus phone or 215-204-1234 from a non-campus phone. If off campus, contact the Philadelphia Police by calling 911.
The safety advisory went onto read:
"The safety of our students, faculty and staff is our number one priority. We will continue to keep you informed and share useful prevention information. Again, anyone having information should contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3261."
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
