Police urge caution in wake of suspicious incident Sunday evening – January 25, 2010

Oregon State Police are urging students, faculty and staff to be mindful and alert following an incident Sunday evening in which a female OSU student was approached by a male who tried to convince her to go with him and subsequently followed her for several blocks before disappearing.

 While police say no crime was committed, the student was sufficiently concerned to call police, and OSP officials termed the incident a “suspicious circumstance.” Of particular concern, police say, was that the male reached out toward the student, who was walking away from Dixon Recreation Center near 26th and Campus Way. She pulled back and fled northward, but the individual followed her at some distance until she reached Monroe Avenue.

 Officers say they’d like to speak with the male, if he can be located. Individuals with information regarding the incident may call OSP at (541) 737-3010. Officers urge caution for those walking on campus after dark, advising use of well-lit walkways, keeping a cell phone handy and knowing where blue emergency phones, which offer a direct connection to 911, are located around campus. Students particularly concerned about walking on campus after dark can call OSU SafeRide at 541-737-5000 to schedule free transportation to and from campus.