By Kathryn Kelman/editor-in-chief
A female student reported to police July 17 that an unidentified male groped her in the NFAB building on NE Campus.
According to a police report, the student was walking to parking lot D at approximately 4 p.m. when a Hispanic male approached her and asked if she wanted to wait inside NFAB to avoid the heat. Once inside the building, the suspect grabbed the student’s wrist, pulled her toward him and groped the student on her breast and thighs.
The student pulled away and told the male to stop touching her and was able to leave the building. She then immediately reported the incident to the campus police, according to the report.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’8” in height, 225 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
The suspect has been identified, according to assistant police chief Leigh Dietrich, and is no longer allowed on TCC property. No arrests have been made.
“As this is an active investigation, the identity of the suspect cannot be released,” she said.
A 2016 Department of Justice study found at least one in four college women in the U.S. are sexually assaulted, and Dietrich recommended students, faculty and staff refer to the TCC website’s police section for tips regarding safety and security both on and off campus.
“The TCCD Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit, Victim’s Assistance Unit and Training Coordinator work throughout the year to provide information, training and resources to students, faculty and staff,” she said.
To report any incidents, visit any campus police station or call TCC police department’s communications center at 817-515-8911.
To report incidents anonymously, visit the TCC website’s Victim Assistance page or click on the “Report Sexual Misconduct” link at the bottom of the college’s home page.