COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)–The Columbus Division of Police is investigating after a female Ohio State University student says she was grabbed by an unknown man while walking home.
The student was walking between 13th and 14th avenues early Friday morning when she saw a stranger. Police say she was concerned, and started walking faster to get home. Police say the man caught her and grabbed her arm.
The man made several sexually-related comments toward her before he was scared off by the presence of other people. The student was able to make it into her residence in the 200 block of 14th Avenue without further incident, police say.
The unknown male was described as Hispanic with a light complexion, 6’0″, medium to heavy build with stubble in the mustache/goatee area of his face.
Columbus Police issued the following safety tips:
- Recognize situations where danger might exist.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Travel with friends or in groups.
- If you are leaving a business or establishment and you are alone, ask if they have an escort policy.
- Avoid using ear buds, which might hamper your ability to hear someone approaching you.
- You can use your cell phone as part of your safety planning to talk to someone while you are traveling to your car or residence but do not become distracted by the conversation to the point you are no longer aware of your surroundings.
- Let someone know when you are leaving and when you should arrive at your next destination.
- Trust your intuition and instincts. If you sense danger take steps to make yourself safe.
- Report incidents or suspicious behavior to police or security personnel.
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