Crime Alert
California State University, Long Beach Increases
Security Measures Following 4 Assaults in Recent Weeks
California State University, Long Beach officials are expanding security measures and urging students and campus members to exercise extra caution following reports of four on-campus assaults in recent weeks.
“Cal State Long Beach has always been recognized as a campus that has been safe for its students, and we will take whatever measures necessary to stop these attacks from occurring. At no time in past history has this campus seen such attacks against its women, and we will not tolerate it,” said Jack Pearson, CSULB Chief of Police.
The first assault, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2:30 a.m., occurred when a male suspect grabbed a woman walking on Earl Warren Drive and pulled her toward a pathway adjacent to a nearby flood control channel, where he sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as a male with tanned to light brown skin, dark eyes, at least 6 feet tall and “pudgy.” He was wearing a black beanie/ski mask, black hooded sweatshirt, a black belt with a heavy-metal style buckle, and silver studs.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 10:15 p.m., a woman walking on the physical education road leading to the music complex access road was grabbed from behind and pulled toward the tree line. She screamed and was able to fight off the suspect, who let go of her. The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s to early 30s, 5 foot 6 to 5 foot 10, of thin build with light colored hair and a “buzz cut.” He was wearing a teal-colored shirt and only women’s panty hose on his lower torso.
A third woman was attacked on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 8:20 p.m. as she was walking at the south turnaround off Seventh Street toward the McIntosh Humanities Building. She was grabbed from behind by a suspect who tried to pull her into the adjacent tree area, but she was able to fight him off and escape. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male, possibly Hispanic, approximately 6 feet tall, of medium build and with dark hair. He was wearing a dark upper garment and dark “Dickies” style pants.
At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, after leaving a convenience store adjacent to the campus and returning to Parking Lot 11, a female student was chased and grabbed by two male suspects. She was able to fight them off and call for help. The first suspect is described as a possibly Hispanic male, late 20s, 6 feet tall with muscular build, and dark, shoulder-length hair pulled into a ponytail. He was wearing a black hooded sweater, black “Dickies” style pants and white tennis shoes with black stripes. The second suspect, also possibly a Hispanic male, is described as in his late 20s, 5 foot 10 and of stocky build with a shaved head and a patch of hair about an inch thick extending from his bottom lip to his chin. He had a tattoo on the back of his neck that was in Old English lettering and his left eyebrow was pierced with a bar and two studs. He was wearing a dark blue sweater and black “Dickies” style pants.
Since the first assault occurred, University Police have posted alerts with complete descriptions of the crimes and suspects throughout the campus, urging possible witnesses or others with information to please come forward. A crime tip hotline was established so that information can be offered at 562/986-5131, or by calling the University Police Department at 562/985-4101.
University Police night patrols have been doubled, and the evening community service officers’ escort service, which offers to escort students to and from locations on campus, has been extended. Additionally, a private security firm has been retained to patrol the residence halls and surrounding parking lots. The Long Beach Police Department has assisted the university with its ongoing investigations into these criminal assaults and will take on a higher visibility on and near the campus.
The university is initiating a series of communications with the entire campus community that will keep them informed of crime bulletins and offer advice on personal safety measures. The campus also intends to initiate a series of town hall meetings for students and employees that will emphasize how individuals can work together for their safety.
All campus members are being advised to “walk with a friend” no matter what the hour, and to pre-program the University Police telephone number, 562/985-4101, into their cell phones.
Reminder – Nightly escorts are available through the University Police Department and Community Service Officers program by calling (562) 985-4101