EAST LANSING, Mich. — Police in East Lansing are investigating two sexual assaults and one attempted sexual assault involving female students at Michigan State University. All assaults took place off campus.
The most recent case occurred on May 16 at approximately 8 p.m. in the parking lot outside of the Abbott Pointe Apartments off of Abbott Road, according to a statement by police. The suspect dragged the victim behind a dumpster, where he physically and sexually assaulted her before running away, investigators say.
The suspect was last seen on Abbott Road just north of Saginaw Street.
Two similar cases were reported this past April. The first took place on Coolidge Road south of Lake Lansing Road around midnight on April 20. The victim reported being dragged to a secluded area where she was physically and sexually assaulted. The second incident took place at approximately 3 a.m. on April 26 in the 300 block of Charles Street, where the victim was attacked when she tried to enter her home, dragged to a secluded area, physically assaulted, and the suspect tried to sexually assault her.In all three cases, the suspect was described as a white male with an average build and height (5’5”-5’10”), approximately 18-25 years old. Police believe he has a tattoo on his left arm or shoulder. In the first assault, he was wearing a faded red or pink shirt, shorts, and grey shoes with white socks.Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lansing Police Department Officer Chris Shadduck at (517) 319-6842.
A composite sketch has been put together based on witness descriptions and should be viewed as an approximation of the suspect’s appearance, not an exact match.
Michigan State University had no direct comment about the incidents because they took place off campus. They have sent out safety reminders to the community and are referring all questions to East Lansing Police.
An e-mail was sent out to the entire East Lansing community and students regarding safety tips.
Students:
-Call 911 if you are in danger
-Be aware of your surroundings and others in the area
-Realize that listening to headphones or iPods or talking on your cell phone while walking decreases your awareness
-You are safer if you stay together. Watch out for your friends and ask them to watch out for you.
-If a situation feels wrong for you or your friends, say something and do something; it is always better to leave or intervene than to do nothing
-Walk confidently and assertively
-Walk in well-lit areas if possible.
The 24-hour emergency line, answered by the MSU Police, is 517-353-3784.
MSU’s “green light” emergency telephone system follows major walkways, and phones placed in campus parking areas. These phones topped with a green light are for emergency calls and dial directly into MSU Police.
