Two students charged in Oak Hall assault

By Susan Walley
Senior Staff Writer

On March 20, campus police responded to an assault in Oak Hall. According to Sgt. Stephen Brooks, a female resident and a friend allegedly assaulted the resident’s roommate.

The victim told police that her roommate got in her face and started pushing her, and that one of the alleged assailants then began hitting her.

Police charged the two students on the campus level, and the victim took out warrants on both for simple assault.
University Housing has separated the roommates since the incident.

On March 21 a security guard in Oak Hall called police in response to a man soliciting money outside the building around 12:30 a.m.

The solicitor was a non-student, and the officer escorted him off campus. He has been banned from returning to campus. Sgt. Brooks stated that if he is found on campus again by police he will be charged with trespassing.

Also on March 21, police received a harassment complaint.

According to Sgt. Brooks, the individual received an unknown call late at night, which made her feel uncomfortable.
Sgt. Brooks stated that individuals typically know the identity of their harasser.

He also advised that if students receive phone calls that make them feel uncomfortable, it is always best to alert campus police rather than allow the situation to escalate.

As soon as an individual is made to feel uncomfortable, the situation has escalated far enough, he said.

On March 22, campus police assisted the Pembroke police in breaking up a fight in the road on Jones and Second Street.
One party in the fight was cut and treated by EMS, according to Sgt. Brooks.

Campus police and the Pembroke police have a good relationship of providing mutual aid, Sgt. Brooks said. The two departments will provide support for each other when it is requested.

Campus police issued an e-mail to the student listserv regarding the break-ins of several vehicles and theft of personal property from inside.

All the thefts occurred in the parking lot by the football field, Sgt. Brooks said.

E-mailing typically works to assist police in solving ongoing investigations, Sgt. Brooks said. But, according to Sgt. Brooks, in this instance there were no photos available of the crimes, and police have received no information on the case.

However, there have not been any further break-ins since the e-mail was distributed.