Attempted Sexual Assault on Decker Quad Sparks Community Concern and Increased Security Measures

Strategic Insights -

Following an attempted sexual assault on Saturday, Oct. 18, on Decker Quad, the University community has expressed concern about safety on campus. An unknown man, approximately 30 years old, approached a female student for directions and assaulted her. The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is investigating the case, with cooperation from the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) and Public Safety.

Reshmita Nayudu, a sophomore, expressed her newfound safety concerns, stating that she feels "incredibly frightening" as a woman on campus. The Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU) members echoed her concerns, stating that the University has not taken similar incidents seriously in the past. SARU members were "not surprised" by the incident and questioned why other sexual assault-related incidents have not been prioritized by the University.

JHPD Chief Branville G. Bard updated the University community on Sunday, Oct. 19, stating that the University provided security footage to the BPD, and an image of a person of interest was shared. In response to the incident, there will be increased patrols on campus overnight, including a greater presence from Public Safety, the JHPD, the BPD, and Allied Universal officers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The attempted sexual assault occurred on Saturday, Oct. 18, on Decker Quad, with an unknown man approaching a female student for directions and assaulting her.
  • The BPD is investigating the case, with cooperation from the JHPD and Public Safety.
  • Reshmita Nayudu, a sophomore, expressed her concerns about safety on campus, stating that she feels "incredibly frightening" as a woman on campus.
  • SARU members questioned why the University has not taken similar incidents seriously in the past, stating that they were "not surprised" by the incident.
  • JHPD Chief Branville G. Bard emphasized that the safety of the community is paramount and that increased patrols will be conducted on campus overnight.
  • SARU members highlighted the importance of recognizing sexual assault and supporting sexual violence victims outside of media coverage and public recognition.
  • The University provides resources for mental health and sexual assault crises, including evening security escorts, the LiveSafe app, and confidential sexual violence support.
  • SARU recommended brightening campus grounds at night to increase safety precautions and recognized the importance of addressing repeat offenders.

Statistics:

  • A suspect, Raymond Willis Lunn, has been arrested in connection with the incident on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
  • Lunn is a repeat violent offender and a registered sex offender with an extensive criminal history.
  • The BPD is still investigating whether Lunn had been on the Homewood Campus previously.
  • The University has increased patrols on campus overnight, including a greater presence from Public Safety, the JHPD, the BPD, and Allied Universal officers.
  • The 24-hour Sexual Assault Help Line is available at (410) 516-7333.

Sources:

  • "Attempted sexual assault reported on Decker Quad" by the Office of Homewood Public Safety, Oct. 18.
  • Email to The News-Letter from Reshmita Nayudu, Oct. 18.
  • Email to The News-Letter from the Sexual Assault Resource Unit, Oct. 18.
  • Email to the University community from JHPD Chief Branville G. Bard, Oct. 19.
  • Press briefing by BPD and JHPD officials, Oct. 22.