Dear Ohio State Community Member:
You are receiving this notice because a crime has occurred that is considered to be of a concern and/or a continuing threat to the campus community.
The purpose of this message is to heighten your safety awareness by providing community members with information necessary to take appropriate precautions, enable you to take actions to help increase your safety, and to aid in the prevention of similar crimes.
Public Safety Notice
The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety has become aware of a pair of crimes that are similar in nature but that are not believed to be related. Details are limited but law enforcement wants to remind all Buckeyes to take precautions as we return for the Spring semester.
On 1/1/20, at approximately 1:14 a.m. three males, one of which is an Ohio State student, were walking along E 14th Avenue when reports indicate they were confronted by five unknown males. A physical altercation ensued and the Ohio State student involved suffered head injuries. No items were taken. The suspects were described as four white males and one black male with a light complexion. Additional suspect details are limited. The Columbus Division of Police is investigating this off-campus crime as an assault and anyone with information is encouraged to call 614-645-4545.
A similar incident occurred on campus on 1/5/20. At approximately 2:25 a.m., three males, one of which was an Ohio State student, were walking along High Street near the Ohio Union garages. They were approached by a group of unknown males. Words were exchanged and a physical altercation began involving three suspects from the larger group. One person suffered injuries to his head while the Ohio State student sustained minor injuries. The suspects returned to their vehicle and fled. No items were taken but the altercation is being investigated as an assault.
The three suspects were described as a white male, a black male and a Hispanic male. Additional suspect details are limited. The Ohio State University is actively investigating and anyone with information is encouraged to call 614-292-2121.
Although similar in nature, the crimes are not believed to be related at this time.
Crimes are never the fault of the victim. The Ohio State University Police Division encourages everyone to lock doors and windows. When possible, please walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Please utilize transportation services, when possible, and if you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior by calling police.
The Ohio State University Police Division carefully considers information contained in safety notices. All decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis with the safety of our campus community in mind. Law enforcement officers and dispatchers are trained to interview witnesses in an effort to obtain as much information as possible, such as build, hair style, hair color, facial hair, skin tone, eye color, tattoos or identifying marks, teeth, clothing, shoes, etc. OSUPD may limit the use of race, or other descriptors, unless accompanied by a detailed description of the suspect. In an effort to share information in a timely manner, details may be limited and are based on information known or reported at the time of issuance.