UH urges caution
after 2 sexual assaults
in campus area

Security officials at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are cautioning people after two recent sexual assaults.

The school's campus security is encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Security also provides a service to escort people on campus and to nearby areas.

Police say they have received numerous tips from the public after the release on Wednesday of two sketches of suspects in the rape of an 18-year-old community college student near the Manoa campus on Monday.

UH-Manoa campus security officers posted police sketches at dorms and other public locations throughout the campus.

The woman was walking back to her dormitory about 9 p.m. after eating at Volcano Joe's on University Avenue. She was walking on Sea View Avenue when she passed a group of five men who allegedly forced her into their parked vehicle, then drove to a park where several of the men allegedly sexually assaulted her. The men are described as in their 20s and wearing hats.

Information about the incident was also disseminated by e-mail to UH students.

Capt. Donald Dawson, head of campus security at UH-Manoa, said everyone must stay alert when traveling alone, especially at night.

"If at all possible, we recommend people travel in groups or utilize the campus security escort service while on campus," he said.

The campus security escort service is available by calling 956-6911 or by using one of approximately 70 blue emergency on-campus phones.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cell phone.

Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers