Update on Feb. 26:
Fairfield University has seen two incidences of indecent exposure on campus in less than one week.
“We have a person of interest identified,” Asst. Director of Public Safety John Ritchie told The Mirror on Tuesday afternoon. “We believe that both incidents are related.”
According to a posting by Public Safety, a female student reported that she was approached by a “college-aged male” with “long brown hair and hazy eyes” on Feb. 19 at approximately 6:30 p.m. in front of the Walsh Athletic Center. After asking for directions, the male exposed himself and subsequently drove away in a “light colored SUV” that possibly had Florida plates.
Six days later, a different female student reported another incident of indecent exposure. In an email to students from Public Safety, the perpetrator was described as “a college-aged male who exposed himself after asking for directions,” occurring on Feb. 25 at 7:09 a.m. in the area of the Student Townhouse Complex.
The main difference between the reports of the two incidences was the car; in the Feb. 25 incident, it was described as “a late-model black or navy blue Jeep Wrangler.”
However, Public Safety maintained that these events were connected. “The modus operandi is similar in nature, that the incident took place in the same manner, in the same geographical area,” said Ritchie.
“We believe a different car was involved in the first incident. However, the person of interest has access,” said Ritchie, referring to both vehicles.
Ritchie also noted that the person of interest has “no known current affiliation with the campus.”
In terms of the victims, there is no known relationship between the two female students. “We feel that even if there is a relationship between the victims we don’t feel that it is significant for the overall incident,” said Ritchie.
Public indecency is a class B misdemeanor in the State of Connecticut, carrying a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and $1000 in fines.
“The problem we’ve been having is that some students … find it funny,” said Ritchie. “They often mistake the sexual deviance for a practical joke or prank, and we don’t want anyone to misunderstand that sexual deviance should not be treated as a practical joke or a prank.”
Public Safety encourages all students to report any case of sexual misconduct by calling (203) 254-4090 or visiting their office in Loyola Hall Room 2. Students can also fill out an anonymous report here.
Original post on Feb. 25:
The Department of Public Safety sent out the following email on Feb. 25 at 4:23 p.m.:
“Public Safety Alert: Feb. 25, 2013
This morning, Monday, Feb. 25 at 7:09 a.m., the Department of Public Safety received a report of a female student being approached by a college-aged male who exposed himself after asking for directions. The incident occurred in the area of the townhouses.
The suspect was described as 5’9” or 5’10” with average build and dark brown hair. He appeared to be in his 20’s and was wearing a red, plaid button-down shirt. The vehicle was a late-model black or navy blue Jeep Wrangler.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact Public Safety.
As always, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious persons or activity to police or Public Safety.”
Students and anyone with information can contact the Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090 or visit their office in Loyola Hall Room 2.
Check back for more updates as more information is released.
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