May 20, 2013
ECU police say they will not bring charges against a student who they say falsely reported being assaulted early Monday.
A police report had said the student was the victim of a sexual offense near Christenbury Gym around 12:45 a.m.
But police say they were unable to corroborate the young woman's account of what happened. They say during an interview with the woman, they determined that the crime did not happen.
In the past students who falsely reported campus crimes have been charged. But Chief Scott Shelton says in this case they decided to use other avenues at the university to address the young woman's needs.
ECU says it has several options through its counseling center in such cases.
Previous Story
A female student was the victim of a sexual offense on ECU's campus early Monday morning.
The woman reported to ECU Police that she was assaulted around 1 a.m. Monday near the Speight Building and Christenbury Gym. Police say the man did not use a weapon, but the victim did require medical attention.
A police report obtained by WITN News lists assault and sexual battery as offenses.
The attacker is described as a white man in his mid-20, muscular build, brown hair and wearing a black tank top and black pants. He was last seen running north on campus.
If anyone has information about this or other crimes, please contact the East Carolina University Police Department at (252) 328-6787.
The attacker's description is similar to a man last month who police say tried to rob a woman on campus.
In that case, the victim fought back and nothing was taken.
According to an ECU report, in 2011 there were 57 reported crimes on campus, compared to 36 the year before and 60 for 2009.
Comments for this story have been disabled.
