Student reports stranger assault

Kellen Stepler | Features Editor

September 2, 2021

A female student reported that she was a victim of indecent assault Tuesday afternoon, according to Duquesne University Public Safety (DUPS.) 

On Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m., the student reported that she was walking on Fifth Ave. at Chatham St. when an actor “physically grabbed her buttocks,” committing the crime of indecent assault. The victim then fled the area and called DUPS to report the crime, according to the crime alert sent to all students Wednesday afternoon. 

The report says that a “thorough check of the area was conducted by DUPS, but the actor had fled the area.” A subsequent investigation of the crime revealed a video of the actor, who DUPS described as an African American male, 40-50 years of age, approximately 5’10-6’0 in height, dark complexion, short hair and a short full beard. DUPS also said that the man “has an unusual gait while walking, appearing to hunch forward or possibly limp with left leg.” 

The man has not yet been identified. Students are advised to call DUPS at 412-396-2677 with any information regarding the crime, or if they see the individual. Students should not approach the actor, according to DUPS. 

“Duquesne Public Safety is following up on some leads provided by members of the University community and is working with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to obtain additional evidence to identify the actor involved in the incident,” Duquesne Media and Communications Manager Rose Ravasio said.