Purdue police investigating reported sexual battery

Purdue University police have released surveillance images of a person they wish to question in connection to a sexual battery that occurred at around 8:45 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 4) on campus. (Purdue University photo) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University police have released surveillance images of a person they wish to question in connection to a sexual battery that occurred at around 8:45 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 4) on campus.

A female student reported to police Thursday afternoon that she was leaving the Hicks Undergraduate Library on Thursday morning when an unknown male reached under her skirt, grabbed her and took photos on his cell phone. The woman described the suspect as a white male, about 20-21 years old and 5-feet-9 inches to 5-feet-10-inches tall. He was of medium build and wearing glasses, khaki shorts and a t-shirt, and had blond hair. The suspect was seen leaving Hicks Library walking east toward Purdue Memorial Union.

Purdue Police Chief John Cox said officers are looking at video from cameras in the area in an attempt to identify the suspect.

Sexual battery is a Level 6 felony that carrries a maximum fine of up to $10,000 and 2.5 years in prison.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Purdue Police Department at 765-494-8221. The WeTip anonymous hotline, which is used by all Greater Lafayette law enforcement agencies, also is available at 1-800-78CRIME (1-800-782-7463).

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu

Source: John Cox, 765-494-8221, jkcox@purdue.edu