Assault prompts safety warning

A female student was assaulted by a male while walking on the lane that runs east of the Academic Center on Tuesday night at approximately 6:20 p.m., near AC 1451.

The female victim was able to break free of the man and reported the incident to the MHCC Public Safety department.

According to a notice sent out to all staff on Wednesday, the victim described the suspect as “six feet to six feet, 2 inches tall, approximately thirty years old, with tan skin. She also reported that he was wearing a dark baseball cap, a dark sweatshirt, blue jeans, and either tennis shoes or dark boots.”

Asked about the assault, Director of Communications Maggie Huffman said, “There is a possible suspect.”

Wayne Feagle, lead public safety officer, said that he is not authorized to give out any more information except that the Gresham Police Department has taken over the case and it is under investigation.

In response to the assault, Public Safety has provided basic safety tips to prevent more incidents on campus:

Always be aware of your surroundings, be watchful.

Avoid walking alone at night.

Use a buddy system.

Hold your car keys in your hand to use a weapon against an attacker.
Call MHCC Public Safety, (503) 491-7911 for a “Safe Walk Escort” to your vehicle or bus stop.

In addition, Public Safety said if you are assaulted or robbed, try to get the best description of the suspect, direction of their flight and to remember verbal remarks that the suspect made, all of which could be helpful when the police arrive.

Public Safety Officer Cherilyn Nederhiser recommended the website portlandonline.com, with a search for “women strength” for more information on safety tips. The website also provides significant amounts of safety tips for your car, home, public transportation, in elevators, and on the streets.

Advocate Staff