The issue of sexual assault took precedence at local police agencies this week after UB released e-mails warning all students of two criminal incidences that have taken place off campus.
At around 10:20 p.m. on Monday night, a 19-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted while heading to her vehicle near American Campus Drive at the University Village Sweet Home Apartments.
According to textual warnings by UB Chief of Police Jerry Schoenle, the Amherst Police are investigating the alleged assault of a female by two male suspects who drove an "older light blue four door sedan in poor condition, with silver wheel rims."
The warning also included descriptions of the two assailants. Suspect one was described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, thin with brown hair. Suspect two was a darker skinned male with a goatee.
Schoenle could not provide further comment, as the investigation does not involve the UB Police.
Detective Lieutenant Bill Tillman of the Amherst Police said that the attackers ceased their assault of the woman when they discovered that she was menstruating. Due to the vague nature of the assaulters' descriptions, composite pictures would not assist in the ongoing investigation.
Tillman also said that the woman only reported the crime after being convinced by her friends. When these assaults are immediately reported, the likelihood of discovering the assailants is much higher.
Gina Cowart, a public relations representative for the American Campus Communities, said that the Amherst Police contractually patrol the Sweet Home area on four of the busiest nights a week. Cowart also said the assault occurred by the maintenance shop and the general manager's apartment who said he heard nothing.
"We were notified by the police, work with them and then notify residents to be on guard and keep their doors lock at all times," Cowart said.
Cowart also mentioned that Sweet Home has teamed up with UB to provide escort services for those who feel unsafe or threatened. The anti-rape task force will walk people to Sweet Home and get them home safe according to Cowart.
The second sexual assault issue at UB deals with existing posters that have been placed around the UB campus by a person claiming to seek "figure model" who in fact victimizes those students.
The City of Buffalo Police Department Sex Offense Squad is investigating the case in which the perpetrator victimizes the students under the guise of using them as models for photos. The wrongdoing under examination is considered a forcible sexual offense, which is a felony.
Amy Evans, a junior music and math student, was unaware of the recent sexual assault allegations. Her feelings on the issue were that of astonishment, especially considering the recent increase in police presence after the Virginia Tech tragedy.
"I'm kind of shocked. I always feel safe on campus. It just really surprises me," Evans says.
Isaiah Cornick, a freshman business management and music major, also felt shocked about the sexual assault. Cornick knew somebody who was sexually assaulted, but said that it is hard to help them overcome the attack.
"I think they (the attackers) are perverts. It's disgusting," Cornick said.
Anyone with any information on either case is encouraged to contact police officials immediately.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
