University of Maryland police continue to investigate unlawful touching incident

COLLEGE PARK, Md. ( DC News Now ) — University of Maryland police said Wednesday that it was still investigating an unlawful touching incident that happened earlier this month.

The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) said on Sept. 6, at around 11:30 a.m., officers were called to the 4600 block of College Avenue for a fourth-degree sex offense incident.

A woman, who is a student at UMD, reported that just after 11 a.m., she was walking near the intersection of Princeton and College avenues when a young male suspect went up to her and started asking her questions.

From there, the suspect inappropriately touched her and then ran down College Avenue, onto a hiker biker trail, according to UMPD.

The suspect is described as having straight black hair and was about 5’ 6” to 5’ 7” tall. He was wearing red joggers and a black T-shirt.

Some university students are concerned about their safety after the incident. Samantha Loube said she and her friends are planning to be more cautious and will walk in groups.

“This is terrifying and our whole sorority is besides ourselves because our favorite thing to do is walk around Old Town and being in danger here is the last thing we want,” she said. “It’s just not okay and something needs to be done immediately.”

Some other students like Mia Tran and her friend are also being more careful and decided not to walk at night when it gets dark.

“Sometimes we hear about people getting flashed or inappropriately touched or approached so I try to stay vigilant and walk in pairs around campus because as much as I want to trust the community, it’s better to air on the side of caution,” Tran said.

Anyone with information is asked to call (301) 405-3555.

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