Police: 2 Students Reportedly Touched While Sleeping In Dorm Rooms

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J., (CBS) – Police are investigating after they say two students were reportedly touched by an intruder while they were sleeping in their dorm rooms.

On Sept. 27, Lawrence Township Police say they responded to Rider University on a report that a male entered an unlocked dorm room and allegedly grabbed a female student's chest while she was sleeping.  Police say the female woke up, screamed and swung her arm at the male as he fled from the dorm room.

Police say the suspect was described as a white male, thin build, dark hair, and dark clothing.

While investigating this incident, police say they were alerted of a similar incident that occurred on Sept. 11, where a male entered an unlocked dorm room then touched a female on the shoulder while she was sleeping.

Police say the incident was reported to university security the following day and Lawrence Township was not initially contacted.

Police say the male was described as a white male, thin build, dark hair, and dark clothing.

Police say a separate incident was reported at a sorority on Sept. 26 where a male was seen walking in the hallway.  Police say the unidentified white male was reportedly scared away by a visitor.  No offense was reported to have occurred, according to police.

Lawrence Township Police say they are working collectively with Rider University to identify the suspect or suspects involved.  Police say both their department and the university are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of the students.

A spokesperson for Rider University released the following statement:

"We take these reports seriously and have been working closely with Lawrence Township Police in their investigations.  The safety and well-being of our campus communities, including our students, is of utmost importance.  We have increased Public Safety coverage and communicated regularly with students, faculty, staff and parents. We have also been meeting with students to remind them of what we can do together to protect their safety. This is in addition to the supplemental patrols Lawrence Township Police provide on the campus. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Lawrence Township Police Department."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Joseph Radlinksy at 609-896-1111 or lawrencepolice@lawrencetwp.com.