Security Alerts
In the event criminal activity on-campus or in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the university presents a possible threat to public safety within our university community, a security alert will be posted on this page. The alerts might contain warnings of suspicious people or activity to warnings of specific criminal activity.
9/28/09
On Saturday night, September 26, 2009 at around 11:30 pm, a 40 year-old University physical plant employee was unlocking his car parked in the Gaddis Physical Plant Office parking area, when he was approached from behind by a male armed with a knife. The employee knocked the knife out of the suspect's hand; the suspect picked up the knife and ran north towards NIAR. The employee was not injured.
The suspect was described as an African-American male in his late 30's, 5'10" - 5'11", stocky build, short black hair, full thin beard and mustache, wearing a silver ring on his left hand, a black shirt, black jeans, and a Dallas Cowboy ball cap.
The crime was not reported to authorities until the following evening. The UPD encourages community members to call UPD as soon as possible after any crime is committed on campus. Program your cell phones for UPD by entering 316-978-3450 or dial 911 from a campus telephone.
The UPD urges community members to consider risks to their physical safety when deciding whether or not to comply with demands from an armed offender. Not all community members can safely disarm an armed assailant, as occurred in this instance.
Community members are asked to call the UPD at 316-978-3450 for any information concerning this incident.
9/15/2009
An 18 year-old female resident of Fairmount Towers reported a sexual assault by a known 19 year-old Fairmount Towers resident, in his residence hall room, around 5:00 AM, Saturday morning September 12, 2009. The victim received medical attention from the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Response Team (SANE/SART) at Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital and counseling service referrals from the UPD and Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center. The criminal case is under investigation by the UPD.
It is reported that over 90% of sexual violence incidents that occur on higher education campuses involve people who know one another. To lower the risk of rape:
- Know your sexual intentions and limits. You have the RIGHT to say no to any unwanted sexual activity, at any point. Communicate your limits firmly and directly.
- Some men may think drinking, dressing provocatively, or going to their room indicates willingness for sex. Be prepared to express your limitations.
- Drink in moderation. If you become intoxicated, you may lose the ability to make wise decisions and/or communicate your feelings appropriately.
- Use the "buddy system". If you are going to a party, don't go alone - go with a friend. Agree to look out for each other and leave together. If dating a new person, go on a double date, go to a public place and/or make sure you have your own transportation. Avoid seculded places.
- GO OUT WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST AND WHO SHARE YOUR VALUES. Be prepared to stand up for your personal standards.
- TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel uncomfortable or think you may be at risk, get out of the situation as soon as possible.