Student Reports Rape Near Emory Village Traffic Circle, Email Says

Posted: 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 | Updated: Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 3:37 p.m.

By Jordan Friedman Executive Editor

An Emory student reported to the Emory Police Department (EPD) that she was raped near the Emory Village traffic circle on Tuesday night, according to a University-wide email sent out early Wednesday morning.

According to the email – sent by Vincent Dollard, associate vice president of communications for the Woodruff Health Sciences Center – the student reported that the alleged incident took place in a wooded area between Dowman Drive and Oxford Road around 11:15 p.m.

The perpetrator, the email says, was last seen running from campus toward Emory Village and is described as a white male in his mid-to-late 50s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He has a reddish or brown beard along with a brown or green beanie cap, tan or brown jacket, dark blue jeans and brown boots, the email adds.

EPD declined to comment as the case is currently under investigation.

"The Emory Police Department is investigating the report of a sexual assault Tuesday night involving an unknown perpetrator," the University said in a statement to the Wheel. "The female student involved is being provided with the full support, resources and ongoing care of Emory staff members."

The University-wide email recommends that students use a safety escort service, walk with another person or in a group and avoid poorly lit areas, among other suggestions.

Anyone with information about the alleged incident is encouraged to contact EPD at (404) 727-6111, the email says.

"Emory is deeply concerned about the safety of our campus and our students, faculty, staff and visitors, and maintaining a safe community is always of the utmost importance to the University," the University said in its statement.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

– Crime Beat Writer Brandon Fuhr contributed reporting

If you have been affected by sexual assault, abuse in a relationship or stalking, you have support at Emory. Contact Lauren (LB) Bernstein in the Respect Program in the Office of Health Promotion at 404-727-1514 or Lauren.Bernstein@emory.edu to schedule a confidential consultation.