SHU Student Sexually Assaulted In Bridgeport; Man Charged: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Sacred Heart University is warning students to take safety precautions after a student was sexually assaulted Thursday at her off-campus residence in Bridgeport, according to police.

The attack occurred mid-afternoon in the city’s North End, police said. A man knocked on the door, the 21-year-old woman answered, and the man forced entry and sexually assaulted the woman before fleeing, according to information provided by university and police officials. The assailant had a gun, Bridgeport police said.

After a brief foot chase, officers arrested 19-year-old Tyrek Marquis Herbert, of Bridgeport, according to police, who said Herbert is charged with first-degree sexual assault, home invasion, carrying a dangerous weapon and first-degree unlawful restraint.

“Although there is no further threat from this individual, we have asked Bridgeport police to increase their patrols in the area,” said Jack Fernandez, director of public safety for the Fairfield-based Sacred Heart, in a message to students.

Herbert worked for a package delivery service and had told the student he was soliciting for a children’s charity, according to the Connecticut Post, which reported that a judge Friday ordered Herbert be placed on suicide watch and continued the case to Sept. 21. Herbert’s bond is set at $2 million, police said.

In addition to requesting an increased police presence, Sacred Heart urged students to take precautions to protect their safety, such as not allowing strangers in their homes, being wary of solicitors, and asking utility workers and police for identification. The university also advised students to always lock their doors, never hide a key near the entrance of a home and call 911 if they see signs of forced entry. Students were encouraged to download the school’s SHU SAFE app to their phones and were given university public safety numbers to call.