An attempted sexual assault of a student at a campus residence hall was reported early this morning by Emporia State authorities. An emergency alert was issued via text and email at 7:03 a.m. that said the assault was being investigated by ESU police and urging students to “Pay close attention to surroundings.”
As of early afternoon, the suspect was still at large, according to Gwen Larson, director of Media Relations. The location of the reported assault was Schallenkamp Hall, a residence hall just east of campus that opened in August 2019. No other details of the crime were released.
Campus police is working with the Emporia Police Department and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department on the investigation, according to an email sent out by Lynn Hobson, dean of students.
Hobson encouraged anyone that had any information that might help the investigation to contact the Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620 341-2273 or on their website, www.P3tips.com. All tips can be sent in anonymously, according to the site.
“If (students) are having any sort of situation, for instance hearing about this triggered something and they would like to talk to a counselor or something,” Larson said. “They can go online to ESU counseling services and use the patient portal tile in Hornet365 to schedule an appointment for next week. If they need something sooner, we’re suggesting they reach out to the SOS hotline, which is an 800 number and it’s staffed 24/7.”
Students can find the counseling services website here, or they can call 620 341-5222 to schedule an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The SOS hotline, a community resource for victims, is also available to everyone. SOS can be reached 24 hours a day at 800 625-1295.
