A female University student was abducted at about 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning near 513 Rugby Road, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house, according to an email sent to the University community by University Police Chief Michael Gibson.
The student was attempting to get a taxi when a car stopped to pick her up, according to the email. The driver drove her to outside Kellogg dormitory, instead of to her dormitory on Alderman Road, and attempted to assault the student, but she fought the attacker off and got away.
The student informed the police about the abduction using the University’s JustReportIt system, a confidential online form students can use to report incidents of identity-based discrimination.
The victim has not yet chosen to file an official report on the incident, but the University Police is continuing its investigation, University Police Lieut. Melissa Fielding said.
“Since the victim has not filed an official police report, it is difficult for any agency to follow up on the police report,” Fielding said.
The decision of whether or not to file a police report is the personal choice of the victim, especially in cases of attempted sexual assault, Fielding said.
Fielding said alcohol was likely a factor in the incident but said the victim could not be blamed in any way for the attempted abduction. “While we think alcohol is a factor, it certainly doesn’t justify crime,” Fielding said.
University Police are still working to get the victim to formally report the incident.
“Hopefully at some point we’ll be able to convince this young woman to talk to us and file a [report],” Fielding said. “We are following up on things that we can follow up on.”
Individuals with information are asked to contact the University Police or Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.
—compiled by Joseph Liss
Read More
U.Va. loses over $60 million in federal research cuts
By Bertie Azqueta | 15 hours agoThe impacted grants include three from the NIH, seven from the NEH, one from the United States Agency for International Development and four from the State Department.
Department of Education reverses course, awards Federal Executive Institute to U.Va.
By Ford McCracken | 3 days agoThe ED had previously awarded the institute to Charlottesville City Schools.
Students reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
By Bertie Azqueta | 4 days agoAt the University, students shared a range of perspectives on his legacy of reform, inclusivity and his impact on the global Catholic community.
