Police Investigate Alleged Assault of Duke Student

DURHAM, N.C. — Durham police are investigating an alleged sexual assault of a Duke University student at an off-campus party early Sunday morning.

According to investigators, the 18-year-old woman told officers she was at the party in the 400 block of Gattis St. around 3 a.m. when she was allegedly raped in the bathroom. There were at least 50 people at the party at the time, police said.

A neighbor told WRAL that Duke and Durham police broke up the party at about the same time as the alleged attack. Sources told WRAL that authorities found drugs and possibly a gun inside the residence.

Duke Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta released a statement Sunday saying that the university is providing support to the woman and that school officials are very concerned about reports that Duke students were among those attending the party.

Moneta also pledged cooperation with Durham police in the investigation.

The home on Gattis Street is less than a mile away from where a woman claims she was assaulted last March by members of the Duke lacrosse team last March.

No charges have been filed at this time. Anyone with information related to the alleged attack is asked to call Durham CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.