At approximately 10:10 p.m. on Monday evening, three suspects driving a red SUV with Ohio plates attempted to abduct a female first-year student.
The student was headed northbound on Beall Ave. when the car stopped next to her. One of the passengers opened a side door and demanded that she get in the vehicle. The student refused, pulled out her cell phone and began to dial Campus Security. Upon seeing the phone, the suspects closed the car door and drove off.
Campus Security and the Wooster police were notified of the events, and conducted a thorough search of the campus for the identified vehicle. There have been no leads thus far.
Joe Kirk, the director of campus security and protective services, called the incident a message to security that they should be more visible around campus. The staff plans to increase both vehicle and foot patrols in the immediate future. City police will also be patrolling campus more frequently.
Kirk also pointed out that the attack was unprovoked, and probably only attempted because the victim was a female walking alone at night.
This is the latest and worst of a series of escalating incidents between students at The College of Wooster and residents of the city. Minor episodes happen with surprising frequency around campus. In the past few years, suspects have yelled obscenities, spit upon, shot paintballs at and otherwise threatened students walking around campus. One of the most infamous incidents of late involved a small group of students who were challenged by men driving up Beall Ave. The incident ended in a concussion and internal bleeding for one of the students.
Kirk is advising that all students use added caution when traversing campus, especially at night. Campus Security also recommends that students walk in groups and stay in well-lit areas whenever possible. If you feel threatened, call security at (330) 263-2590 or use the blue security lights located across campus.
Kirk also asks that any students who may have either witnessed the event or have possible leads come forward.