Officials Alert Campus After Recent Assault

By Natalie Harrison

Staff Writer

UNC police continue to warn students and faculty to be careful when walking around campus late at night after last week's reported assault on a student.

Chief Derek Poarch of University Police said no arrests have been made in the case at this time.

"(We) are following a number of different leads," Poarch said.

But he said he was unable to comment on any specific developments at this time.

The University has taken several steps to warn students and faculty of safety concerns. The UNC Department of Public Safety released a composite sketch of the attacker, which has been posted in many campus residences, buildings and local businesses.

The assailant is described as a Hispanic man of heavy build and medium height with black hair and no facial hair, and is believed to be in his mid to late 20s.

Despite the University's efforts to educate UNC students, faculty and local residents, many feel unsafe with the assailant still at large.

"It's always scary when you hear about someone being attacked on campus," said senior Megan Moose of Gastonia. "I've felt even more nervous walking around lately just because I know he hasn't been caught yet."

But Poarch said he believes this is an isolated incident.

For many students, this assault is reminiscent of the "BOLO" assaults that took place in August of 1999. One of the two assaults committed by Jesus Alvarez-Ramos also occurred near the Coker Arboretum.

Alvarez-Ramos was eventually arrested as a result of a composite sketch issued by police.

Sophomore Meg Crawford of Fuquay-Varina said last week's assault did not really change her opinion of safety at UNC.

"You have to be aware of your surroundings at all times, but overall I don't feel that Carolina is an unsafe place," Crawford said.

Last December, University officials and representatives from electrical distribution and student government participated in an annual late-night walk around campus to determine which areas needed better lighting.

"(UNC) is a well-lit place," Poarch said. "But students, faculty and staff should travel the intended lighted areas, and avoid walking alone."

According to police reports, an unidentified man assaulted a female UNC student near Coker Arboretum early in the morning of July 3. The assailant approached the victim on foot, grabbed her and tried to lift her over a stone wall before she escaped with minor injuries.

Poarch said anyone with information should contact Public Safety at 962-8100.

Natalie Harrison can be reached

at nharriso@email.unc.edu.