The following message from College of Charleston Chief of Police Robert Reese was sent to the campus community on Nov. 17, 2017:
Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to provide an update on the investigation into an alleged sexual assault that occurred in a College of Charleston residence hall last month.
The College’s Department of Public Safety continues to work closely with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to identify any suspects in this case.
On October 31, SLED released a composite sketch of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the case. To date, investigators have received and followed up on over 50 tips and leads. Videos have also been reviewed for any helpful information. Work on the case is continuing.
Today, we are renewing our call for additional tips and information regarding the person of interest in this case who was last seen on October 27, 2017, between the hours of midnight and 2:15 a.m., in a residence hall on St. Philip Street, north of Calhoun Street. This person of interest, depicted in the attached composite sketch, is described as being a white male, college age, 5’8”- 5’ 10” tall, medium build with dark brown hair. At this time, there is no indication of any unlawful entry into the residence hall.
If you have any information regarding this incident or can identify this person of interest, please contact SLED Special Agent Virginia Fowler at 803.608.7435 or the College’s Department of Public Safety at 843.953.4998 or fill out a silent witness at form: http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/contact-us/silent-witness/index.php. Additionally, you may contact Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry anonymously at 843.554.1111 to provide a tip. A substantial reward is available for any information leading to the identification of a suspect and subsequent conviction.
In the meantime, College public safety officers and security officers will continue to maintain an increased presence in and around all residence halls on campus, including throughout the upcoming Thanksgiving break. As a reminder, please remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Walk in groups and use the buddy system – especially after dark. If you are alone and do not feel safe, you can call Public Safety 24/7 to request a security escort to or from locations on campus — including class, a residence hall or parking lot/garage. Call 843.953.5609 and provide the dispatcher with your name, current location, your destination, your description. Cougar Shuttle (888.960.2227) is available for off-campus transportation on the downtown peninsula seven nights a week from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. For additional safety tips, visit http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/staying-safe/index.php.
Sincerely,
Robert Reese
Chief of Police
