News Editor, News Reporter
Grand Junction police are investigating a harassment claim made by a current Colorado Mesa University student who called 9-1-1 on the evening of Oct. 23.
According to a Timely Warning that was distributed via CMU’s MavZone email system, “A suspicious individual has been reported to have been on campus in the area of Bunting Hall on the evening of 10/23/2013. The individual, reported to have been beating on the exterior dorm window, has been described as a white male, approximately 50 years old, 5’10,” 180 pounds, with short brown hair. The individual may be wearing dark pants, a dark hoodie or jacket, and tennis shoes.”
Though Grand Junction Police don’t have any other information available for public release, Information Coordinator Kate Porras says the police department is perusing a variety of tips from CMU students and faculty.
“When we did the notification, it did result in a few tips and calls, so we’re actively looking at each and every one of those to see if there’s more that we can gain,” Porras said.
The Timely Warning, the first that the Grand Junction Police Department has ever released, is required by the federal statute known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act. The Clery Act requires colleges and universities that receive federal financial aid to disclose crimes occurring on or near campus and to compile an annual security report which can be accessed on CMU’s website.
“Not only is it required, but we want our students to have the information that they need to make good decisions and help keep them safe,” Porras said. “Our officers are there [on campus] and will respond as soon as they can.”
Grand Junction Police said that this was an isolated incident and they remain optimistic as reports continue to come in.
“We were pleased to see that we received a lot of good feedback from students and faculty,” Porras said.
Porras also encouraged students to be informed about the resources available to them in maintaining their safety and well-being.
“Never feel afraid to call 911 if you feel like you’re being threatened or a situation just doesn’t seem right,” Porras said. “We have victim advocates that are available to victims of crime, and their job is to make sure victims know what their rights are and if they’re entitled to monetary support and those types of things.”
More information may be available as the investigation continues. Anyone with information that may help identify the subject in question is encouraged to notify the Grand Junction Police Department immediately.
cferganc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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