We are sharing the below information on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police regarding a crime that occurred in the off-campus area.
On 6/20/2021, at approximately 3 a.m., a female not affiliated with Ohio State, meaning not a student, faculty or staff member, was walking west on Chittenden Avenue toward High Street when she was approached by a vehicle with its hazard lights on. Since she had been waiting for a rideshare, she approached the vehicle to see if it was her driver. The male driver said it was and she entered the vehicle. The suspect drove in the direction of her residence but stopped at W 9th Avenue and Worthington Street before making unwanted physical advances. Reports indicate that the female fought him off, striking the suspect multiple times, before exiting the vehicle. Anyone with information related to this crime is encouraged to call the Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545.
As a reminder, sexual assault is any sexual activity that occurs in the absence of consent. Responsibility lies with the perpetrator, not the survivor. No one deserves, asks for, or provokes sexual assault. Sexual assault occurs in all communities and people of all genders can be survivors. Additional resources are available at: https://titleix.osu.edu/
Crimes are never the fault of a survivor or 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. If you see something, say something: report suspicious behavior by calling police. We encourage anyone using a ridesharing program to track the vehicle’s location within the app and to ask the driver who they are picking up to ensure they say your name. You can also check the license plate or other descriptors to match the vehicle to the service you are using. Additional safety resources are available at: https://dps.osu.edu/resources
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.