4 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
▼CRIME
NEWS
WEDNESDAY,JUNE21,2006
Rape case raises awareness
Residents need to take extra caution; Police think this rape case may be connected to two others
BY TOM SLAUGHTER
tslaughter@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
Lawrence residents are taking precautions after a reported rape occurred in central Lawrence on June 13.
The report was the third that has been made to the Lawrence Police Department since 2004. According to the police department's media release, it is investigating the case with the possibility that all three could be related.
The media release stated that on June 13, an unidentified male entered the apartment of a 21-year-old female and sexually assaulted her. In each case the suspect was described as a 6 foot, white male in his 20s, with a slim build. He has reportedly been armed during each attack.
Alix Fried, 2006 graduate who still lives in Lawrence, said that any time a rape case is reported, it raises awareness.
"It comes to the surface when there's a public instance that happened," she said.
Fried said that she makes sure to look for anything suspicious when she is out at night.
No arrests have been made, but the police department is hopeful that it can identify the suspect.
"We will not stop until we do;" Sgt. Dan Ward said.
Ward said that there is a possibility that other victims have not yet come forward, but the police department has significant evidence that the cases are related. He said it was important to educate people that this is a serious crime and that it is important for people to use precautionary measures.
He said it will probably take a lot of manpower and forensic technology to identify the suspect, however.
Laura Seger, graduate student and Lawrence resident, said she is cautious when she is out.
"I try to be alert of my surroundings," Seger said.
The media release asked that anyone with information about these three crimes call the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division at 830-7430 or the Tips Hot Line at 843-TIPS. It also prompted citizens to dial 911 if they notice any suspicious activity.
- Edited by Janiece Gatson
safety tips
At Home:
Use Dead bolts; window locks; peep holes; timers for lights, radio, TV and outside security lights.
Never open a door for strangers; require ID of service or repair people.
Plan several escape routes from your home.
If you are a single woman, use only initials for mailboxes and in the phone book. Pretend there are others at home, if someone calls.
If you come home and something looks wrong or different, do not enter; go to a safe place and call the police.
On the Street:
Walk with others.
Vary routines; travel different ways at different times.
Know where the safe places are; businesses that are open late, homes where people are up late, blue phones on the KU campus, etc.
If a situation feels wrong, get away fast.
- Stay away from bushes and parked cars; walk in the center of the sidewalk.
In Your Car:
Always lock the doors when you are in a car and when you leave it, even if only for a short time.
Park near lights at night
Have your keys in your hand when leaving a building, heading to your car, or leaving your car to enter a building.
Drive with windows mostly closed.
Keep car in good working order and keep gas tank at least 1/4 full.
In case of a breakdown, stay in the locked car if assistance is offered, request that police be called.
Source: Sergeant Dan Ward, Lawrence Police Department.
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