LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — University of Kentucky Police are investigating a fifth sexual assault that happened on campus last week.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, UK Police received a report of a sexual assault that occurred overnight on Sunday, Nov. 10, UK police said in a release. The victim said the assault happened near the intersection of Rose Street and Euclid Avenue, which is near the UK Police Department headquarters.
Police said in the release the suspect is not known to the victim, but has been identified. Police also said they "are actively investigating this incident."
This is the fifth sexual assault to occur on campus in the past three months. In September, the campus had three sexual assault reports. A fourth sexual assault happened on Thursday, Oct. 17. In the September and October reports, all the victims were assaulted in campus residence halls and knew the suspects in each case, UK Police said. UK Police said the sexual assaults in September and October are not connected.
This most recent sexual assault happened just two days after UK Police held a news conference announcing the department would be increasing patrols throughout campus in response to the past sexual assaults and an incident were shots were fired near campus on Nov. 3.
The university said the Nov. 3 shooting happened at the Raising Canes in the area of Winslow and South Upper streets, which is off UK's campus. No victims were found, and Lexington Police are investigating.
Students can request request a FREE SAFECATS student safety escort or coordinate after-hours, on-demand bus service during the fall and spring semesters by calling 859-257-SAFE (7233).
Wildcab Vouchers provides eligible students with up to 10 $10 ride vouchers per semester. The vouchers are valid on Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. within the program’s designated service area. You can request your free Wildcab Vouchers here.
UK students can file any harassment or sexual assault reports through the Title 9 Office.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, UK offers free and confidential support at the Violence and Intervention Prevention Center. For more information about the center, call 859-257-3574 or click here.
UK Spokesperson Jay Blanton released a statement about the assaults:
"We’ve identified the suspect. We are continuing the investigation and have not yet arrested him.
We take these reports very seriously and investigate them thoroughly. Sexual assault is never the victim's fault. The only person responsible is the perpetrator. And, we know it takes us all to prevent sexual assaults in our community.
The university continues to require all first-year students to take a sexual assault and alcohol awareness course and offers numerous programs on sexual assault prevention through UK’s VIP Center. UK Police has invested in its Special Victims Unit to help remove barriers that survivors of any interpersonal violence face when reporting incidents such as these. Additionally, UKPD has increased its security and safety measures, including expanded patrols, particularly on North Campus. We continue to remind our community of measures they can take to help ensure their personal safety.
Leaders from across campus are monitoring these reports and are planning additional efforts around sexual assault prevention."
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