CAMBRDIGE, Mass. — A woman was allegedly assaulted inside a Harvard University residence hall Tuesday night, prompting an active search for the suspect and increased security measures across campus.
According to police logs, the suspect entered Lowell House by following another person into the building before approaching a female student from behind as she was entering her room. The man allegedly covered the woman’s mouth and attempted to force her into the room.
The student screamed, drawing the attention of nearby residents. The suspect then fled the area, according to the report.
Students began receiving emergency alerts about the incident shortly after 7 p.m. University officials later sent emails informing students that additional Harvard University Police Department officers and Cambridge police officers would be patrolling the area overnight. Security was also increased in the courtyards surrounding the Lowell House.
School officials urged students to remain vigilant and avoid allowing unknown individuals to follow them into campus buildings.
Students who live in and around Harvard’s Lowell House told us they see “piggybacking” regularly by nonstudents to avoid security measures.
Jordanna Keyser, a junior, said, “I have a lot of friends who carry around pepper spray, and it’s kind of easy to forget we are in a city.”
She said Harvard management was making sure rooms were secured in the dorm Wednesday.
“I feel really safe most of the time when I’m here,” she said. “It’s totally an anomaly when stuff like that happens.”
Another Harvard student added, “It was scary for all of us. I mean, there’s mostly seniors here on campus, so it felt very poignant. We all knew the people, so it’s very close to home.”
The student was not physically injured.
Boston 25 News has reached out to both Harvard and Cambridge police for additional information about the investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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