Police & Students On Guard After University Of Maryland Assault
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- There are new concerns over security at the University of Maryland when a female student was sexually assaulted by a stranger in her dorm---and it's not the first assault this school year.
Kai Jackson has more on this alarming problem and what the campus is doing about it.
Police are saying that a very vigilant roommate may have stopped a bad situation from getting worse.
Campus police say the assault happened early Sunday morning. Apparently two men gained access to the seventh floor room of an 18-year-old student.
"I have. I really have. I would have never thought anything like this would happen," said Brearna Powell.
Police say an 18-year-old was the victim of assault. She woke up to find one of the suspects touching her leg and another man holding her laptop. Her 19-year-old roommate returned and they confronted the men, who fled.
"It looks like there was an attempt to try doorknobs to look for property to steal. One individual who gained access to her room took an opportunity to place his hand on the young lady's leg," said Capt. Mark Limansky, campus police.
Those who have been on campus a long time say students have to take an active role in their safety by locking their doors and being aware of their surroundings.
"Watch yourself. Watch around you, watch your friends," said one student.
"It's horrible. How can you get in and violate privacy ," said Jeevan Mammen.
"Individuals should take the proper precautions -- walk in groups," said Donald Walker.
There's only a description of one of the two suspects, a man described as 5'8", in jeans, a gray hooded sweatshirt and gray baseball cap.
Campus police are encouraging students to report any suspicious activity that they see.
