University police question individual about reported attack

Submitted by Lt. Syrilyn Tong
Phone: 907-474-5899
08/22/08

University police say they have interviewed a person of interest in a reported assault on a stairway near Alumni Drive Aug. 13. Police say the man is in custody on unrelated charges and that the district attorney’s office will review the assault case.

A woman reported that she was walking down the stairs at about 7 p.m. on Aug. 13 when a man came up behind her, choked her and left her unconscious. According to police, three witnesses reported seeing a woman lying down about halfway down the stairs. Witnesses also reported seeing a man running from the area.

Police believe the assault was an isolated incident, but want to remind people to be aware of their surroundings as they travel around campus. Community Service Officers are available to escort people to vehicles or buildings on campus.

Call 474-7721 for an escort. You must have photo identification and the CSO may be on foot or in a vehicle. All campus phones and pay phones have 911 access. In addition, emergency phones throughout campus are marked with blue lights and link directly to campus dispatch.

Contact: Lt. Syrilyn Tong at 474-5899 or fnsat1@uaf.edu.