Man charged in connection with sexual assault at UNC residence hall
Police have charged a man linked to the sexual assault of a student inside a dorm on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Sunday.
Officers received a report that the man followed the student into the McClinton Residence Hall at 100 Country Club Road and groped them.
Police say the man then left the building through a lobby stairwell.
A crime alert was sent out to students, faculty and staff. Police have filed charges against the man, who was not named.
UNC police released photos from residence hall security cameras of a man in question, calling him a person of interest. It is unclear if the man charged is the same man shown in the photos.
UNC saw a spike in reported rapes earlier in the year, in February and March.
Students who spoke with WRAL News were disturbed by the news.
"It was definitely jarring," said Alex Fink. "I was just up on the third floor lounge studying for a test with my friend and we got the Alert Carolina notice."
University statistics show a rise in rapes on the Chapel Hill campus in the last two years. They're up from 14 in 2020 to 19 in 2021 to 22 in the most recent full calendar year. Year-to-date numbers aren't available yet for 2023.
"I think the thing that makes me nervous is that it's so normal," said Kaylee Robertson. "It's such a normalized event at this point that it was almost like any other thing."
Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to call 911 or UNC police at 919-962-8100.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline is confidential and gives you access to a range of free services.
If you're having suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
Here are some helpful links to websites with resources for sexual assault survivors:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
- Shining Light in Darkness (local organization based in Durham)
