Joseph LeMire, UW Oshkosh Police Department lieutenant, has released an update regarding an attempted abduction that look place on Cherry Street just south of Prospect Avenue on Sept. 28.
The subject is male, Caucasian, approximately 6-feet tall, with a medium build and short hair. He was wearing a baseball hat worn forwards (color/decals unknown), zip-up gray hooded sweatshirt (there were unknown words on it) and blue jeans. He had little or no facial hair and no eyeglasses.
The initial incident report follows:
UW Oshkosh Police report attempted abduction
Joseph LeMire, UW Oshkosh Police Department lieutenant, has released information about an attempted abduction near campus on Sept. 28.
Here is his report:
“An incident of concern to students, staff and faculty has recently occurred on or very near campus. In the interest of safety and with the belief that an informed community is a safer community, we are notifying you of the following incidents.
“At approximately 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008, a UW Oshkosh female student reported that she was the victim of an attempted abduction.
“The student reported that while walking home in an area between Elmwood Avenue and Prospect Avenue to Cherry Street and Prospect Avenue, a male subject between 20-30 years of age attempted to grab her and pull her into a secluded area. The female student kicked the subject and was able to get away and run to a residence hall. The information is being put out so that all people can take proper safety precautions. The incident is being looked into and if more specific information is gathered it will be made available.
“Students, staff and faculty are reminded to practice good personal safety habits and to maintain situational awareness.
“Plan ahead so that when you walk you are visible to other people.
“When walking choose open, well-lit and well-traveled areas.
“Leave your purse at home if possible. If you must carry one, hold it firmly, close to your body.
“If you work late hours, arrange to leave at the same time as a co-worker.
“Try to avoid parking far away from your work site or residence.
“If walking in the evening hours, consider utilizing the Community Service Officer Safe Walk Program, operated out of the University Police Department. For details on the program, contact University Police (424-1212).
“When walking, be aware of your surroundings at all times by making eye contact with passersby and glancing occasionally behind you.
“If you sense that you are being followed, change directions or cross the street. If the person persists, run to the nearest place where you will find other people and call for help.
“Go to a public place where you can call the police whenever you feel threatened.
“Always carry a cellular phone with the police as your number 1 speed dial choice.
“Consider carrying pepper spray and or a personal alarm.
“Consider taking a self defense course.
“If you feel threatened, remember to utilize the blue light emergency phones on campus. They are a direct link to the University Police Department.
“Do not engage in conversation with unknown individuals, especially if threatening language or insults have been used.
“Do not display large amounts of money.
“If you have any questions about personal safety or should you have any information on this crime, please contact the University Police at (920) 424-1212 (1212 if on a campus phone system).”