Woman sexually battered at Florida Memorial University campus: Police
An investigation is underway after a woman reported that she was sexually battered at Florida Memorial University, according to Miami Gardens Police.
Police said the incident occurred Sunday. The victim told officers she was waiting at a bus stop when an unknown man began whistling at her.
The woman then left the bus stop and walked back toward campus to go to her dormitory, with the suspect following her, police said.
At one point, the suspect pinned the victim against a building door and sexually battered her before fleeing the area, authorities said.
Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt said during a press conference that “at this time, the suspect is described as a black male approximately six foot tall wearing a black hoodie and black pants.”
NBC6 spoke Monday with several Florida Memorial University students, who expressed concern over campus safety.
“That’s crazy because where was, how did he get on campus?” one student said. “I don’t know, that’s crazy.”
“It’s really demoralizing because no young lady should have to endure something like that,” said student Deion Hampton. “I guess I just wish it could have been prevented. Hopefully, the school continues with these preventative measures.”
Hampton pointed to increased police presence as one of those measures.
Florida Memorial University President William McCormick released the following statement Monday afternoon:
Florida Memorial University is aware of the incident reported this weekend and takes this matter with the utmost seriousness. The individual responsible remains at large, and in response we have immediately heightened both internal and external security protocols across campus.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. We are working closely and cooperatively with local law enforcement as their investigation continues, and we will maintain full support for all efforts aimed at protecting our campus community.
Out of respect for the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are limited in the details we can share at this time. However, the FMU community will continue to receive timely updates as appropriate.
Florida Memorial University remains resolute in its commitment to providing a secure environment for learning, living, and working. We appreciate the professionalism of our law-enforcement partners and the vigilance of our campus community as this matter is actively pursued.
Police also addressed safety measures following the report.
“Although safety protocols on campus fall under the responsibility of Florida Memorial University, we immediately increased high-visibility patrols in the area following the report. We have offered additional law enforcement resources to Florida Memorial University and will continue working collaboratively with university leadership to strengthen safety measures,” the police chief said.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact authorities. Tips can be reported to the Miami Gardens Police Department’s Special Victims Unit or submitted anonymously through Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
