Editor’s Note: The following story contains mention of sexual assault that may be disturbing to some readers.
The UNC Police Department is investigating a report of sexual assault, where an unidentified person purportedly followed a student into their dorm room.
The university shared an Alert Carolina message on Saturday at 10:47 p.m. to inform the campus community of the incident under investigation. The alert said the assault reportedly took place in Carmichael Residence Hall between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, when “an unknown individual followed a student into the building.” Police said the person, described as a white male in his late 20s to early 30s, then followed the student back to their room where the assault took place.
The Alert Carolina described the suspect as around 6-foot tall with short brown hair and short facial hair. Saturday’s message said the campus police investigation is ongoing.
Carmichael Residence Hall is one of the mid-campus dorms at UNC, just off of Stadium Drive. (Photo via Carolina Housing.)
A spokesperson for UNC Police told Chapelboro six sexual assaults have been reported to security authorities on campus since August 1, four of which occurred in residence halls. In the message, the department made clear that not all assault reports have been formally made to campus police for investigation and indicated Saturday’s assault was sent as an Alert Carolina message due to reported information on the incident being confirmed by investigators.
UNC Police Department encouraged people to contact 911 in cases of emergency, while using their 919-962-8100 number for non-emergency assistance or for tips. The department also shared a website with safety tips for students, faculty and staff, which includes recommendations for keeping residence halls safe from strangers.
Additionally, the Alert Carolina message provided resources for any campus community members who have experienced sexual assault and are seeking support. The university’s Gender Violence Services Coordinators provide confidential aid and advocacy for a variety of harassment experiences, with people encouraged to email or call the program. Meanwhile, the campus Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, department is available to call or visit 24 hours a day.
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