Full Notification

The Rutgers University Police Department issued a crime alert on May 4, 2016, detailing an aggravated assault which was reported to have occurred on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at approximately 3:30 AM in the area of Van Dyke Hall on the College Avenue Campus. Further investigation has revealed that this assault was committed during an attempted sexual assault. In this incident the victim, who is affiliated with the University, was walking in the area of Van Dyke Hall located at 520 George Street when she was assaulted by a male perpetrator who struck her in the face. The victim then yelled for assistance which alerted nearby witnesses. The suspect then fled on foot towards Seminary Place. The victim was transported to a local area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect in this incident has been identified as Michael P. Knight, a 37 year old resident of Newark, New Jersey not affiliated with Rutgers University. Knight is currently in custody and has been charged with aggravated assault, attempted aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact, kidnapping, and endangering.

The Rutgers Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, and Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office continue to actively investigate this incident and ask that anyone with information, or who may have been in the area at the time, contact Detective Sgt. Carlos Rodriguez of the Rutgers Police Department at (848)932-8025, or Detective George Stilwell of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at (732)745-8675.

The Rutgers University Police Department reminds you that you can reduce your chances of being a crime victim by taking reasonable precautions, including:

• Immediately report suspicious activity to local law enforcement;
• Remaining alert and aware of the people and circumstances around you;
• Avoid isolated or dark areas;
• Walking in groups when traveling during late night hours.

The Rutgers University Police Department provides escorts to students, faculty, and staff upon request. The escorts provide our community with personalized service to their vehicles, campus residence, or the University's mass transit system. In order to request a security escort we ask that an individual contact the police communications center at 732-932-7211.

For more crime prevention information please visit the Rutgers Public Safety website at http://rupd.rutgers.edu/crimetips.shtml.

Follow the Rutgers Police Department on Nixle for regular updates on issues impacting your community athttp://local.nixle.com/rutgers-police-department/.

Authority:
Chief Kenneth Cop
May 14, 2016