AMHERST - University of Massachusetts surveillance cameras have captured the face of a man they believe assaulted one woman on campus and attempted to accost another.
By Owen Boss
Staff Writer
According to an alert sent out by UMass Police Chief Johnny Whitehead, around 5 p.m. Friday, the UMass Police Department received two separate reports: an attempted assault on one woman and an assault and battery on a second. In response, police have boosted patrols in and around the academic area of the campus.
Read UMass safety tips here: Tips for staying safe on campus
The lone male suspect - described as a white male, 6 feet tall, with light facial hair and a red sweatshirt - approached his first victim at the Isenberg School of Management, police said.
"You need to come with me," he said to the woman while attempting to grab her arm, police said in a statement. The victim resisted, and the suspect fled the area.
The second incident, an assault and battery, happened in the first-floor women's bathroom at Morrill Science Building 3.
The suspect followed the woman into the bathroom, later blocking her path when she attempted to leave, police said.
The unknown male then pushed the victim against a wall, attempting to force her to the floor. She resisted and yelled for help, which caused the suspect to flee again.
The UMPD is continuing its probe into the assaults. Anyone with information should call the UMPD at 545-2121, or go online to www.umass.edu/umpd/anonymouswitness.
According to the college's spokesman, Edward Blaguszewski, the entire campus was alerted via email and text message.
"If we feel there is a situation that could pose a safety concern for our students, we send out a notification by both email and text message as part of our notification system," Blaguszewski said.
Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com
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