Neighborhood Safety Notice:
We are sharing the below media release on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police for a crime that occurred in the off-campus area.
Incident Summary: The Columbus Division of Police needs the help of the community to locate a vehicle that is possibly involved with a sexual assault investigation. The crime occurred on December 9, 2017 at approximately 1:30 AM, in the area of West Lane Avenue and North High Street. A female student from The Ohio State University entered a vehicle she believed to be associated with a ride share service. The student was later able to escape and flagged down a Columbus Police cruiser.
The vehicle is a newer model, white 4-door sedan which appears to be missing a hubcap on the driver’s side rear wheel or has a small spare tire mounted on the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle is described as a male Asian, 23-27 years of age, 6 feet tall, thin build, black hair with a spiked crew cut.
Please email Detective Earl Westfall at SAU@columbuspolice.org if you have any information about this vehicle or driver or call the tip line at 614-645-4266. The Columbus Division of Police would like to thank The Ohio State University Police Division for their assistance with this investigation.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS:
In addition, The Ohio State University Police Division encourages everyone to walk with friends or coworkers and always be aware of their surroundings, especially at night. As a reminder, the university offers a university Safe Ride program (https://dps.osu.edu/safe-ride), which operates seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., as well as Campus Area Bus Service.
Should anyone choose to utilize a non-university rideshare program, the following tips are recommended:
- Follow the rideshare vehicle on GPS (if available)
- When the car arrives, visually confirm vehicle information/description and driver’s name likely provided through the company’s mobile app first before approaching
- Do not ride in the front seat or share your cell phone information
- If you feel unsafe, or that something is not right, leave the area and contact authorities
Sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent and can include sexual activity with someone whose judgment is impaired by alcohol/drugs, whether ingested voluntarily or unknowingly. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator, not the survivor. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault. Most perpetrators assault someone they know, although that was not the case in this instance. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors. Additional resources are available at: http://advocacy.osu.edu/sexual-violence/.
Crimes are never the fault of the survivor. We remind you to increase your overall safety by being cautious and looking out for one another; being aware of your surroundings and looking assertive; walking with a trusted friend or co-worker, when possible; if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior to University Police (614-292-2121) or off-campus Columbus Police (614-645-4545). Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies.