Pitt Police Investigating Off-Campus Assault And Robbery; Suspect In Custody
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - University of Pittsburgh Police and Pittsburgh Police are investigating a report of a robbery and assault off of Pitt's campus.
Just after 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, police were called to a residence in the 4000 block of Fifth Avenue, and the victim told police that a man approached her, grabbed her hair, grabbed her breasts and groin area over her clothes, and pushed her to the ground.
"I don't stay on campus late, but I intend to be on campus later. That makes me nervous," Pitt student Mary Angeanean said.
"If it happened right here, that's pretty scary," Pitt student Sophia said.
— Pitt Police (@PittPolice) February 10, 2022
Pitt police shared a photo of the alleged suspect. He was later arrested and taken to the Allegheny County Jail. Police identified him as Jason Moran.
According to Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, the alleged attack is a sexual assault.
"Something we see a lot is blaming themselves," PAAR Director of Victim Response Jasmine Rivera said.
She added that the victim should never be blamed for what happened.
"We, as a community, need to keep each other safe. Unfortunately, we know that some people are at a higher risk to be victimized," Rivera said.
Pitt students said it's normally safe this close to campus. Freshman roommates Sophia and Winnie live in dorms near where the attack reportedly happened.
"We just stick together. We have each other," Winnie said.
"Don't let anyone walk alone. I've never felt unsafe here," Sophia said.
An incident like this has students being more cautious.
"Especially at night, I carry pepper spray. I have thought of taking self-defense classes," Angeanean said.
Pitt was not able to confirm if the victim is a student or not. Both Pittsburgh and Pitt police are investigating.