Communications


Correction: The times in the first paragraph were incorrect in the original version. This version gives the correct times in bold.

Date: January 29, 2007
To: All U.Va. Students
From: Patricia M. Lampkin
Subject: Charlottesville Police Investigating Two Sexual Attacks on Students

I am writing to make you aware of two sexual attacks reported by two U.Va. female students early this morning. One attack occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Wertland Street; the other at approximately 2:30 a.m. in the area of Wertland and 13th streets. In both instances, the women were able to break free of the assailant. Both women have been offered assistance and support from the University.

The Charlottesville Police are investigating the attacks and have issued a press release (reprinted below), noting similarities in the two descriptions of the attacker.

Students are encouraged foremost to take precaution when walking alone, especially at night. As always, please remain aware of your surroundings and ask others to accompany you if at all possible. SafeRide may be one option for receiving a ride home late at night. The service operates during the week from midnight to 6 a.m. The number is 434-242-1122. To learn more, or to read about other options for late-night travel, see:
www.virginia.edu/uvapolice/saferide.htm

The Charlottesville Police ask any students who may have been in the Corner area last night or who can provide information on these attacks to call Crime Stoppers at 434-997-4000.

Below is the full text of the press release from the Charlottesville Police Department.

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Charlottesville Police Investigating Two University of Virginia Students Sexually Attacked Monday Morning

Charlottesville Police (CPD) responded to a report early this morning at a residence in the 1200 Block of Wertland Street. A 21-year-old University of Virginia student reported that she had left a party at the Satellite Ball Room at 1435 University Avenue around 12:30 a.m. She was walking by herself home to her apartment in the 1200 Block of Wertland Street. As she was opening her apartment door a man grabbed her in a sexual manner and tried to force his way inside. One of the victim's roommates and her boyfriend heard the screams and came to investigate. As they approached, the attacker ran off with the roommate's boyfriend in pursuit. He was unable to catch the assailant. The attacker was described as a white male, mid- to late 20s, short dark hair, wearing a blue sweat shirt with hood and light colored pants.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., CPD met with a 28-year-old University of Virginia Law student that called at the urging of her boyfriend to report a past assault. She reported walking home alone when she was approached by a white male who was standing near the Mellow Mushroom Restaurant located at 1309 West Main Street around 2:30 a.m. The man appeared to be "clean cut" and told her it was too cold a night to be out walking. He offered to give her a ride home and she agreed. As he claimed to be walking her towards his car in the direction of Wertland Street in the area of the 13th Street, she changed her mind about going with him and turned to go back towards University Avenue. At this point they were in a dark area. The man grabbed her and forced her up against a vehicle fondling her in a sexual manner. She began at this point to fight the attacker and was able to break free and make her way home where her boyfriend encouraged her to contact the police. She described the assailant as a white male, early 30s, 5' 10" to 6' tall, brown hair, clean shaven with a medium build. She believes he was wearing a dark button up shirt and dark pants. The victim was taken to the University of Virginia Hospital where she was later released.

These attacks could have been caused by two separate attackers. However, because of the closeness of time, location and type of attack, the similarity of description and the fact that in both attacks the victims described him as "weak" and were able to fight him off, CPD feels there is a high degree of probability that the two crimes were committed by the same person.

Anyone, especially anyone who was in the Corner area last night, that might have any ideas on who this man might be please call Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000.