PolyCentric University News Center

Cal Poly Pomona police officers are investigating a second assault on a female student occurring on campus March 12. It is unknown if these incidents are related.

The most recent incident occurred in Parking Lot M, which is on the far western side of campus, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday night. A female student stated to police that she was walking alone to her car when someone approached her from behind and put his/her arm around her shoulders and neck. She dropped her belongings and stopped moving momentarily. She heard a bystander yell, which apparently startled the attacker who ran away.

The woman received a small abrasion to her face, but no further injuries. She could not provide any description of her assailant.

An earlier report of an attack is also under investigation after a woman collapsed from a knife wound on the second floor of the CLA Building Wednesday morning. There are no witnesses so far. For details on this first investigation please refer to a  PolyCentric story or Cal Poly Pomona University Police Department Crime Bulletin.

“Both of these cases have similarities and differences. Without suspect descriptions from each victim we rely on observations and statements from members of the campus community to help us move forward with each case,” says University Police Chief Michael Guerin. “In each investigation there are things that lead us to believe that they are separate acts, probably by different suspects. But there is no way to be certain at this point. Information from the campus community will be crucial in these investigations – each incident would have had other student, faculty and staff members nearby. We hope to receive information from these individuals.”

The University Police Department is committed to doing its best to serve the needs of the campus community.

University police have increased staffing on both the day and night shifts. Officers will also spend additional time walking the campus, both to watchfor suspicious circumstances and to answer questions or concerns expressed by members of the campus community.

The campus community may occasionally see a light from a law enforcement helicopter over the campus. While this is not normal procedure, university police have asked the Pomona Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to observe campus parking lots from time to time, as an added safety measure.

Anyone who witnessed either incident is urged to contact University Police investigators by calling (909) 869-3070. Any information of value would be appreciated.

Members of the campus community are reminded to be aware of their surroundings, travel with others when practical, and notify University Police immediately of any suspicious persons or situations. Use any Blue Phone callbox or if using a cell phone, dial University Police Dispatch directly by calling (909) 869-3070.

The campus community may utilize the University Police Department's escort service. The safety escort service is available from 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday. To arrange for a community service officer's assistance call (909) 869-3070.