Posted on behalf of Bill Kerry, Director/Chief, Ithaca College Office of Public Safety
As a result of two off-campus incidents that the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is currently investigating, the Office of Public Safety is urging members of the IC community to be extra vigilant when hiking on local trails. The TCSO initially reported on October 29 that two separate incidents of forcible touching by a suspect with a knife had recently taken place, one near the Finger Lakes Trail and the other on the Thayer Preserve trail. Both are located within several miles of campus and are popular hiking spots.
On October 30, the Sheriff’s Office provided an update that the Thayer Preserve incident involved a forcible rape. Authorities say that both incidents occurred in the early evening hours before dusk and are potentially related. They describe the suspect as a white male, 20–30 years old, between 5’6” and 5’8” tall with a stocky build. In both incidents, the suspect was wearing dark clothing and a ski mask, and pointed a knife at the female victims.
Anyone with information on these incidents or the possible identity of the suspect is asked to call the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 607-257-1345, the TCSO tip line at 607-266-5420, or the Tompkins County 911 Center at 607-272-2444.
While there is no known connection between these incidents and the Ithaca College community, the Office of Public Safety reminds campus community members to always be aware of their surroundings and to immediately report all unusual or suspicious persons, vehicles, and activity. Members of Public Safety, including SASP (Student Auxiliary Safety Patrol), are available to accompany any member of the campus community who feels unsafe to and from any campus location. To obtain an escort, contact the Office of Public Safety by calling 607-274-3333 or by activating any blue light or indoor emergency telephone.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20191031133232312