Woman Found Unconscious After Serious Assault, Causing Nearby School To Declare Lockout

BEACON, NY — Police believe a woman found unconscious was the victim of a crime, leading to a hunt for an unknown perpetrator, and causing a nearby elementary school to declare a lockout.

On Wednesday, just after 9 a.m. the Beacon Police Department received a call from Dutchess County 911 to assist Fire and EMS who had responded to a call involving a woman who was unconscious in the area of Tioronda and Wolcott Avenues.

It was believed that the woman may have been the victim of a crime.

Officers at the scene found there was reason to believe that the victim had been seriously assaulted. At that time, given the proximity to the Sargent Elementary School, the Beacon City School District was notified and advised to place the school on a lockout until the area could be searched.

The area around the school was searched and no one was located. Police were confident that the suspect was not in that immediate area, and the school district was informed.

The victim is in stable physical condition, according to police.

"Given the nature of the incident, however, the department is, even now, still working with her in order to determine key details of the crime," the Beacon Police Department said in an updated release on Wednesday evening. "Because of this, we are not releasing any information that is not yet fully confirmed. Additionally, though we understand the public's safety concerns and desire to know more, the department must balance that with our obligation to the victim's privacy and wellbeing as well as well as our obligation not to put out information that could compromise this investigation. We are urging others to also please respect this victim's privacy in as much as possible."

Investigators said that a suspect has not yet been identified, nor is anyone in custody.

"As with any other time, people should use caution, be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police," officials said. "If anyone has any information specific to this case, we again urge you to call 845-831-4111."