DURHAM, N.H. — University of New Hampshire (UNH) police are investigating a series of alleged on-campus sexual assaults and druggings.
Two students said they had their drinks drugged by the same suspect with one person reporting they were also sexually assaulted, Union Leader reports. The alleged sexual assault happened between Sept. 20 at 10:30 p.m. and Sept. 21 at 3:00 a.m. in the suspect’s dorm. Police said the victim believes the suspect may have drugged their drink before the assault.
RELATED ARTICLE: 9 Ways to Prove Sexual Assault Without Physical Evidence
The second reported incident happened happened Sept. 19, according to police. The victim said the suspect may have drugged them as well. Police did not say if the second victim was assaulted. Police received a report Wednesday of a third victim who says they were also drugged and sexually assaulted on campus.
UNH police announced in a statement Wednesday that they had identified a person of interest in the case but that they would not share any further information “to protect the integrity of the investigation and protect those who have been impacted.”
UNH Issues Timely Warning Notification
UNH police issued an alert to the campus community via text and email.
“When we got one and two and then we got three – you know, I felt really that the community needed to know,” Chief Paul Dean said about the timely warning.
Police are urging students to be aware of blue emergency phones dispersed throughout campus and not to take drinks from anyone, even if it’s from someone they know.
RELATED ARTICLE: Why the List of ‘10 Most Dangerous College Campuses’ Is Dangerous and Misleading
“It is happening far more often than most people know,” Rachel Stewart, director of UNH’s SHARPP Crisis Center, told WMUR. “People can do what they think are all the right things, and that doesn’t mean it’s their fault.”
UNH’s SHARPP Center provides services to victims and survivors of sexual violence, relationship abuse, and stalking. Campus community members who may be in crisis are encouraged to call SHARPP’s 24/7 helpline at 603-862-7233.
Anyone who feels unsafe on campus is also encouraged to call UNH police at 603-862-1212 for a safety escort or other assistance.
