On Thursday, August 28, at approximately 10 p.m., a sex offense occurred near campus in the 4100 block of Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. The victim in this case was an AU student.

The following was reported to the Metropolitan Police Department:

A male approached the female victim from the rear and grabbed her buttocks area. The suspect then fled on foot eastbound on Macomb Street, NW. There were no injuries. 

Description of Suspect:

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’ 05” tall and in his late 20s. He has a thin build and short hair and was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. 

If you have information relating to this incident, or witness suspicious activity, please contact Public Safety at 202-885-3636 or 911 for the Metropolitan Police Department. 

Safety Tips

• Walk in groups whenever possible and look out for each other. 
• Avoid isolated and dark areas. 
• Carry your cell phone and keep it accessible. 
• If you are approached, take note of the person's appearance, clothing, and anything unusual that will help identify the individual.
• Be aware of the emergency telephones (yellow boxes on pillars, blue lights phone towers and red telephones) located on campus, in building lobbies, elevators, and in parking lots.

General Tips

• Report anything or anyone suspicious to Public Safety 
• Program Public Safety into your cell phone for emergencies 202-885-3636
• Utilize the Public Safety Escort Service while walking on campus at night. To arrange for an escort, call 202-885-2527 or use a blue light or red emergency phone.

 EMERGENCY - (202)885-3636

The American University Department of Public Safety (AUDPS) notifies the campus community when crimes are reported to AUDPS or the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) which the University believes represent a continuing threat to its students or employees, in a manner consistent with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The University uses its best efforts to provide information that is both accurate and helpful, but community members should recognize that the University is able to relay information only as it is reported to AUDPS from MPD. Community members are encouraged to report external incidents to AUDPS to assist in the effective implementation of this program.