February 26, 2019

Update: On February 27, Campus Safety took the offender into custody.

Loyola Community,

Campus Safety is writing to notify you of a battery that occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. today inside the Damen Student Center.

An unknown male approached a student and made physical contact of an offensive nature. The offender left the building, and a follow-up investigation revealed he fled the area on a CTA bus.

The offender was described as a male, approximately 5' 6", 180 pounds, and wearing black shoes, blue jeans, and a black hoodie with white drawstrings.

Campus Safety is working closely with the Chicago Police Department on the investigation. If anyone has information on the incident, please call Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263. The Chicago Police Department also continues to investigate leads related to other recent violent incidents in the district, and any new updates will be posted to the 24th District Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) and CLEARMAP websites.

Please also keep the following risk-reduction tips in mind:

• If a person threatens you, follow any demands and run away as soon as it is safe to do so. Once in a safe place, immediately notify Campus Safety at 773.508.SAFE or the Chicago Police Department via 9-1-1 or 312.744.8263.
• Investigative follow-up will be dependent on the amount of detail a person can recall. It is important to remember as many identifying characteristics about the offender(s) as possible. This can include the license plate of any involved vehicle, physical characteristics of the person, their clothing, any weapons used, direction of flight, etc.
• If you see something you believe to be suspicious, immediately contact Campus Safety or the Chicago Police Department.

Campus Safety recognizes that survivors are not at fault for any crime. Students who are seeking resources related to acts of violence can contact the Wellness Center at 773.508.2530 or visit the Community Coalition on Gender-Based Violence website. Faculty and staff in need of resources are encouraged to utilize the University’s Employee Assistance Program.

Sincerely,

Tim Cunningham
Commander, Campus Safety