Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 25 to add in a comment from GRCC Communications
By Jamie Miller and Blace Carpenter
Grand Rapids Community College Police are investigating a sexual assault that was reported to have occurred in an elevator stairwell in GRCC’s Parking Ramp A on Saturday, Feb. 24 between 1 and 1:15 p.m.
The suspect, who is reported to be a 50-year-old white male who was dressed in a black stocking cap, brown and tan hunting jacket and light jeans, approached the victim on the street between Library Street and Fountain Street Church.
According to a GRCC alert sent to the campus community at about 4:15 p.m., “the victim was then threatened with force and taken to Parking Ramp A” where the assault occurred.
Although GRCC students and staff are on spring break until March 4, there were students, staff and families on campus for GRCC men’s and women’s basketball games when the attack was reported. Three hours after the attack was reported, a GRCC “timely warning notice” was sent out to students and staff.
“GRCC is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of the campus community, and the incident is the subject of an active investigation being conducted by the GRCC Police Department,” stated Interim Vice President of College Advancement and Executive Director of the GRCC Foundation Erin Van Egmond in an email to The Collegiate at 9:57 p.m. on Feb. 24. “ Due to the ongoing nature of that investigation, the College is unable to provide additional information at this time.”
A GRCC Police dispatcher said that no one from the police department would be able to comment until Monday.
In their email alert, GRCC Police stated, “The safety and well-being of our campus community are of utmost importance to us. We want to remind everyone to please be vigilant and take precautions to ensure your safety. We encourage you to utilize the GRCC Police Safe Walk service, travel in groups when possible, walk in well-lit areas, and be aware of your surroundings.”
GRCC Police are asking that if there’s any suspicious activity around campus, anyone matching that description of the suspect, or if anyone has additional information relating to this incident to contact them at (616) 234-4911.
Aiden Lynam contributed to this report.
