NEWS RELEASE
6/4/03
John
Sanford, News Service: (650) 736-2151,
jsanford@stanford.edu
Women
groped by man on bicycle; no injuries reported,
police say
Stanford
police are on the lookout for a bicyclist who has
groped several women over the past two weeks at
various campus locations.
Described
as a 19- to 25-year-old man with dark hair and a
medium to heavy build, the bicyclist struck during
the night and early morning hours of May 22, 23, 26
and 27 by riding up to women (usually from behind),
groping them and then riding away, according to Sgt.
Rick Tipton of the Department of Public Safety.
"So
far, none of the victims report that the suspect said
anything to them, and none has reported suffering any
injuries," Tipton said. He said encounters took
place at the following times and locations:
- On
May 22, about 9:15 p.m. near Florence Moore
Hall; about 11 p.m. at the east end of the
Quad; and about 11:20 p.m. in White Plaza.
- On
May 23, about 1:10 a.m. near Florence Moore
Hall and about 1:15 a.m. along Escondido Road
near Crothers Hall.
- On
May 26, about 11:40 p.m. in the parking lot
of Tresidder Memorial Union.
- On
May 27, at 2 a.m. next to the post office.
Anyone
with information relating to the incidents is
encouraged to call Tipton at (650) 723-5629.
Following
are some tips for personal safety from the Department
of Public Safety:
- Avoid
dark, vacant or deserted areas. Use well-lit
travel routes.
- Avoid
walking or jogging alone, especially at
night. Call SURE Escort service, 725-SURE
(725-7873), during evening and night hours.
- Dress
in clothes and shoes that will not hamper
movement.
- Be
alert and aware of your surroundings at all
times. Avoid wearing headsets that might
impair your ability to detect and respond to
a potentially dangerous situation.
- Call
911 immediately to report suspicious activity
or noises. Pre-program your cell phone with
the direct emergency number for the police:
321-4433. (Cell phone calls to 911 are
delayed because they are answered by a Bay
Area-wide office before being transferred
back to the local departments.)
- Carry
a noise-making, attention-getting device with
you and use it if you suspect you are in
danger. Move to a well-lit area or building
and raise a commotion or join a group of
people. Call 911 or activate an emergency
phone, located in the blue towers.
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