Editor’s note: WSU police found no evidence that an assault took place, but are continuing to work with the student to collect any additional information. Read more here.
WSU PD confirmed an official report of an on-campus assault Monday morning after rumors of serial attacks surfaced last week.
The reported assault occurred after 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 in the parking lot south of Beasley Coliseum, according to the incident notification.
A female student was grabbed from behind and choked by an unknown subject until the loss of consciousness, according to the incident notification. She did not see the unknown subject and no description is available at this time.
The assault was reported to WSU PD Sunday night by the parents of the female student, said Assistant Chief Dawn Daniels. WSU PD was then able to track down the student who substantiated the claims, though Daniels confirmed that the rumor of serial attacks remains unfounded.
The initial rumors of serial attacks were initially investigated by WSU PD but could not be substantiated, according to a Facebook post from WSU PD.
“The rumors of a rape occurring near Beasley Coliseum last week, and of a serial rapist in the area, have not been substantiated by WSU PD,” WSU PD said on Facebook.
WSU PD is asking students for any information they may have on the assault and will be increasing patrols, according to the incident notification.
“Anyone who may have information about this assault is asked to call WSU PD at (509) 335-8548,” the incident notification said. “WSU Police is increasing patrols on campus following this report.”
In addition to increasing patrols, Daniels encourages students to coordinate with other people to stay safe during this Halloween week and to report anything suspicious to WSU PD.