BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 17, 2016) – Police are investigating three reported rapes that happened near the IU campus this weekend.
Investigators said two rapes were reported to Bloomington police while another one reported to Indiana University police.
Police say a 19 year-old female IU student called police after she was allegedly raped early Sunday morning near the IU campus, in the area of Bryan Avenue, around 12 a.m.
The student was reportedly attacked by three white men while walking alone after leaving a house party. According to the woman, two men held her down while the third raped her.
Police say one of the men was described as having short hair, scruffy facial hair and a short small stature.
The victim provided descriptions of the men’s clothing. She says one of the men was wearing a tank top with camouflage shorts. Another was wearing shorts and a short sleeve t-shirt. And the third was wearing shorts and a tank top.
Officers searched the area and did not locate anyone matching the description. Police are not sure if the men are IU students.
A second rape was reported Friday night. A 20-year-old girl told police she was approached after leaving a concert at Memorial Stadium. The woman says she got separated from her friends and her phone was dying, so she asked two men in their early 20s to borrow theirs. According to the woman, the two men then brought her to an apartment where both of them took turns raping her.
A third case was reported around 1:35 a.m. Saturday. A 30-year-old woman said she was sexually assaulted by a 55-year-old man. Police said both people knew each other and believed alcohol may have played a factor.
The rapes were reported during Little 500 weekend, which students call a notoriously rowdy time on campus.
“There was crazy people every where, I did not feel safe walking home. I told every girl I know do not walk home,” says Joe Boyd.
While police continue their search for the men involved in the alleged sexual assaults, students say they are doing their best to avoid traveling along on campus.
“I think everyone should be aware of their surroundings whether it is day or night,” says IU student Jessica Tompkins.
Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call the IU Police Department – Bloomington at 812-855-4111. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
