In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), 20 U.S.C. 1092 (f), the College of Charleston issues timely notices to notify the campus community of Clery Act crimes or other serious incidents that the College determines represent a serious and ongoing threat to the campus. The College may distribute timely notices using a variety of means, including emails, text messages, flyers, and website announcements posted on the Campus Safety website http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/campus-alert/index.php.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, the Department of Public Safety is informing the College of Charleston campus community of an off-campus assault.
Incident: Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Date: 8/31/2014
Time: 10:00 pm (2200 hours)
Reported to: Charleston City Police Report # 14-14719
Location: Marion Square, 329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
Suspects’ status: One (1) white male suspect at large.
Incident description: At approximately 10:00 pm the victims were in area of the Holocaust Memorial in Marion Square, they were approached by a bald, white male wearing all black. The male engaged the victims in conversation, asked for money, then slapped one of the victims on the neck and took his skateboard. When the victims indicated that they were going to contact the police, the suspect then presented a small nickel plated handgun, dropped the skate board, and fled the scene.
Suspect Description: white male, bald, 5’07’’ to 5’08’’ tall, between the ages of 30 – 35, large tattoo on left interior forearm, design unknown.
Important Message: It is important to note that the victim/survivor is never the cause of the criminal offense. The College does not tolerate this behavior.
Avoid confrontation with individuals you encounter. Avoid becoming involved in incidents you observe. Use well-lit- routes, avoid dark vacant areas, and those not frequented by other people. Avoid walking alone at night. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid distractions like talking on your cell phone.
If you observe unusual activity, try to remember details as best you can. For example, what a person was wearing or any other identifiers like scars, tattoos or shoes. Please always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and notify Law Enforcement immediately if you observe potentially dangerous situations or individuals.
Public Safety is available to provide escorts on-campus and the Cougar Shuttle (888.960.2227) is available for off-campus transportation on the downtown peninsula seven nights a week from 11:00 P.M. – 3:00 A.M., during the fall and spring semesters. For addition safety tips, visit http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/stay-safe/index.php.
Get Involved and Make a Difference: The College encourages the prompt reporting of all crimes, On-campus contact Public Safety (843.953.5611), and off-campus (911).
Oftentimes, students are present when a crime is about to happen and bystander intervention is one method students may use to help prevent a crime from happening. Learn how to develop this skill and safely intervene. Contact the Office of Victim Services at 843.953.2273.
Victim Assistance: Enrolled College of Charleston students who become victims of serious crime are encouraged to get victim assistance by contacting the Office of Victim Services (843.953.2273). Comprehensive services, including assistance with missed classes/academic disruption, are available regardless of the incident location, or if the student elected to file an official report, or not.
If you have any information regarding the crime indicated above, please contact:
City of Charleston Police Department
Emergencies: 911
Non-Emergency: 577-7434
Crime Stoppers: (Anonymous Reporting 554-1111)
College of Charleston Campus Police
Emergencies: 953-5611
Non-Emergency: 953-5609 (Administrative Line)
Crime Action Line: (Anonymous Reporting) 953-4988
Silent Witness: http://publicsafety.cofc.edu/silent-witness.php