Police Urge Vigilance in Wake of Sexual Assault

Police are urging Georgetown University students—returning to the neighborhood or arriving for the first time—to take extra caution when venturing off campus after dark. A forced entry and sexual assault on the 3800 block of S Street NW in Burleith on the morning of Aug. 29 could be connected to a string of sexual assaults that have occurred on and around the Georgetown University campus since 2008.

Second District Commander Matt Klein of the Metropolitan Police Department said the victim awoke at 7:30 that morning to a man sexually assaulting her in her bedroom. When she screamed, the man fled. The Georgetown Voice reported that the suspect, described as a white male with brown hair and an average build, broke into the home by removing an air conditioning unit from a first floor window. Klein would neither confirm nor deny this detail.

"We have had a string of sexual assaults ... in the Georgetown area both on and off campus that date back to 2008. We're investigating the possibility that they're connected. But we're keeping an open mind," Klein said.

Since 2008, at least 12 similar invasions and assaults have occurred in dormitories and houses around Georgetown's campus. Though the latest victim had no affiliation with the university, the incident took place in an area heavily populated by students, and only one block north of Georgetown University Hospital.

With the perpetrator still at large, some GU students are concerned about what measures to take to protect themselves. Mary Utz, a sophomore transfer student, said her mother begged her to buy an emergency transponder. "I've been here all of a week, but on campus I definitely feel safe. If I'm off campus, no; I'll walk with someone all the time," she said.

Junior Alexandra Torrens-Dilas, who lives across the street from campus, took a more aggressive stance by enrolling in a tai chi self-defense class. Her housemate Dominique Barron took kickboxing self defense. "We've been getting the email alerts all the time," said Torrens-Dilas, "You have to be safe as possible and at least bring a friend when you're walking after dark."

The University and the MPD share resources and information about major attacks that occur on and off campus. Police and campus officials generally send email blasts to the entire campus the same day an incident occurs. But anyone can subscribe to the MPD second district listserv at MPD-2D@yahoogroups.com. A GU student group, Take Back the Night, holds a rally and awareness week every November to honor victims of sexual violence and inform the Georgetown community.

Other resources for students and residents, courtesy of Take Back the Night:

• DC Rape Crisis Hotline at (202) 333-RAPE or visit www.dcrcc.org for more information.
• GERMS (Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service): 202-687-HELP (4357)
• GU Department of Public Safety (DPS): 202-687-4343

MPD asks any residents with information relating to these attacks or reports of suspicious activity to call 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746). Also, anonymous information may be submitted to D.C. CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS.