Schools
Bryant Students Report Being Groped by Campus Intruder
Smithfield police are investigating at least five reports of victims being touched as they slept by a person who entered campus townhomes.
SMITHFIELD, RI—Smithfield police are on the trail of one or more people who allegedly have been breaking into campus townhouses and groping students as they slept.
University officials sent an email to students and faculty notifying them that the school and Smithfield police are working "dilligently. . .to identify and apprehend the perpetrator of this loathsome crime."
A total of five incidents were reported over the weekend, according to police. In each, the suspect, described as a man in his late 20s, was discovered by students who woke up as he groped them.
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The suspect fled once confronted.
Police were showing photos of a possible suspect to victims on Monday in an effort to produce an arrest.
Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bryant's vice president for student affairs and dean of students John Saddlemire said in the e-mail that "there is no place on our campus for violence against individuals" and urged any victim who wants support to reach out.
Students are also urged to keep a watchful eye and stay vigiliant.
The suspect reportedly entered unlocked townhomes.
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