Georgetown University

Public Safety Alert: Bias Related Assault at 36th & N Streets

On November 1, 2009 at approximately 1:32 a.m., witnesses reported to DPS that a student walking in the area of 36th & N Streets, NW was assaulted by an unknown male. Immediately prior to the assault, the suspect asked the victim several times, "Are you a homo?" The suspect fled the scene after physically assaulting the victim.

DPS and GERMS responded to the scene. GERMS transported the victim to Georgetown University Hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained in the assault. DPS gathered information from witnesses and notified MPD. The investigation is ongoing.

The Department of Public Safety is requesting that anyone who has information regarding this or any other incident(s), or who noticed any suspects before or after the incident(s), to contact them immediately at (202) 687-4343.

Incident

Date: November 01, 2009

Time: 1:32 AM

Location: Non-campus, West Georgetown

Address: 36th & N Streets

Incident type: Other Crime with Bodily Injury/Hate Crime

Respondents: Public Safety

Incident summary: On November 1, 2009 at 1:32 a.m., witnesses reported to DPS an assault on a student by an unknown male in the area of 36th & N Streets, NW. Prior to the physical assault, the suspect asked the victim several times, "Are you a homo?"

On November 1, 2009 at approximately 1:32 a.m., witnesses reported to DPS that a student walking in the area of 36th & N Streets, NW was assaulted by an unknown male. Immediately prior to the assault, the suspect asked the victim several times, "Are you a homo?" The suspect fled the scene after physically assaulting the victim.

DPS and GERMS responded to the scene. GERMS transported the victim to Georgetown University Hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained in the assault. DPS gathered information from witnesses and notified MPD. The investigation is ongoing.

Victim(s):The victim suffered injuries in the assault that were treated by GERMS and in the hospital emergency room.

Victim(s) status:GERMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to Georgetown University Hospital where the victim was treated and released. Appropriate University resources are being offered to the victim.

Witness description of suspect(s):The suspect is described as a white male, 6'2" tall, with red and white face paint, wearing a black leather jacket. (This description was updated on November 2, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. to reflect a witnesses description that included an estimated height.)

Safety Reminder

The Department of Public Safety would like to remind all students to practice the following security measures:

  1. On campus students should call DPS at 202-687-4343 regarding any safety concerns.

  2. Off campus students with immediate safety concerns should call MPD at 911 and DPS at 687-HELP.

  3. Practice security at home by not propping doors open, always keeping doors and windows locked, even when you are in residence, and not opening the door to strangers.

  4. Students noticing suspicious activities or individuals loitering around entrances to residence halls, apartments, or townhouses should immediately notify DPS at 202-687-4343.

  5. Students may utilize the services of THE SHUTTLE or DPS SAFERIDES escorts as a means of providing safe passage off-campus. Call 784-RIDE for DPS SAFERIDES escorts.

Georgetown University's Department of Public Safety (DPS) notifies the campus community when crimes are reported to DPS or the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) which the University believes represent a threat to its students or employees, in a manner consistent with the Campus Security Act. The University uses its best efforts to provide information that is both accurate and helpful, but community members should recognize that the University is able to relay information only as it is reported to DPS and/or MPD.