By Susan HaineSenior Staff Writer
Student awareness was the main topic of a forum held on campusThursday, that addressed the series of sexual assaults that have beenoccurring near San Diego State.
Seven speakers, including representatives from the San DiegoPolice Department, University Police and Student Health Services,addressed the issues of sexual assault and assault prevention at themeeting.
Since Jan. 12, five women have been sexually assaulted in theirapartment complexes in the College Area. Four of these women are SanDiego State students.
Detective Ron Newquist, lead investigator in the case, said infour of the five cases, the females assaulted were coming home fromwork late at night when the sus-
pect attacked them. In two of the five cases, the suspect enteredthe victims’ apartments when the front doors were left unlocked.
“Most of the girls were able to fight the suspect off,” Newquistsaid. “So far, it seems that their screams will deter him.”
The assaults have only involved touching over clothes, but policesaid the suspect seems to be becoming more brazen as he is nowentering unlocked apartments.
Newquist said that since the suspect follows victims into theircomplexes, it is important for women to be aware of who and what isaround them. He also said women should remember to lock their doorsand always check to make sure they know who is at the door beforeinviting that person in.
“When we were looking for witnesses in the complexes, a lot ofgirls would ask us to come in without checking to make sure they knewus,” Newquist said. “Because students are running back and forthbetween apartments, it is common. But it can be dangerous. Girlsshould remember it is not rude to ask who is at the door when someoneknocks.”
Police also encouraged women to participate in the Rape AggressionDefense course, a self-defense class taught on campus by UniversityPolice and Student Health Services.
University Police released a list of other safety precautions:
— Walk in groups whenever possible.
— Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated areas.
— Report all suspicious people and activities.
— Use the Campus Escort Service 594-6659.
The suspect in all five cases is described as a black male betweenthe ages of 17 and 22, between 5’6” and 5’8”, 140 to 170 pounds,clean shaven with short hair, a round face and wearing baggyclothing.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to callDetective Ron Newquist at 516-3009. For information about RapeAggression Defense courses, call 594-4421.
