Student reports

campus assault

On Sunday evening, Appalachian State University Police Department received an anonymous report of a physical assault alleged to have occurred at 4 a.m. in the Kidd Brewer Stadium parking area.

The caller, who identified herself as the victim, reported she was walking to her vehicle in the lower end of the parking lot when the assault took place. She stated she was near the duck pond when she noticed an unknown male standing near a white van. As the victim walked past the van, she stated the man struck her in the face without provocation.

The female student, who did not identify herself, said she fought back and was able to get away and run back to her residence hall.

ASU Police Chief Gunther Doerr said he would encourage the student to come forward to assist the officers with details to help identify and apprehend the suspect.

The call came in to the police 14 hours after the incident occurred. Police have increased patrol of the parking lot in light of the report, but were not able to respond to the scene and look for the suspect’s vehicle.

“I encourage students to report crimes or suspicious activity immediately. This will allow officers a quicker response time to facilitate the investigation,” Doerr said.

The victim described the suspect as a 5-foot, 11-inches tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact ASU police at (828) 262-2150. Callers may also contact Watauga County Crimestoppers at (828) 268-6959.

— Melanie Davis, melanie@mountaintimes.com

ASU police offer the following tips for safety: avoid walking in isolated or poorly lit areas; always try to walk with a friends, especially during the hours of darkness; be aware of the surroundings; and students should not hesitate to call police if they feel they are in an uncomfortable situation.