A man approached a woman just after 8 a.m. Thursday outside the Parker Hannifin Building on Cleveland State University's campus, shoved her against the building, tried to forcibly kiss her, then hit her and ran off toward Prospect Avenue. The woman reported minor injuries, and campus police are now asking anyone with information to come forward.
The assault happened outside the building at 2258 Euclid Ave., according to a university safety alert reported by FOX 8 News. The man pushed the woman against the building and attempted to forcibly kiss her before striking her and fleeing the scene. Cleveland State University Police is investigating the woman's report, and the suspect has been described only as a young Black man wearing a green hoodie and dark pants.
Campus Alerts Went Out Within Half an Hour
Cleveland State began sending safety alerts about the incident around 8:30 a.m. Thursday, roughly 30 minutes after the reported assault. One alert told the campus community that police were responding and instructed people to stay away from the area while more information was gathered, per the same report from FOX 8 News. The university has not released additional details about the suspect's identity or whereabouts.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Cleveland State University Police at 216-687-2020. That same number serves as the department's general non-emergency line, according to Cleveland State University Police, while anyone facing an active campus emergency is advised to dial 911.
Safety Resources Already Exist on Campus
Cleveland State University Police also operates a Viking Safety Escort Service around the clock, offering walking escorts to students, faculty, and staff who are concerned about their safety while moving across campus. The program runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to the department's own description of its services.
Thursday's reported assault is not the only recent crime to rattle the area around Euclid Avenue near campus. A robbery was previously reported at East 22nd Street and Euclid Avenue, where, according to WKYC, two suspects demanded money from students, received it, and fled without anyone being hurt or any weapons being used. No arrests had been made in that case at the time of the report, and the suspects were believed to be heading south on East 22nd Street near Prospect Avenue.
No arrests have been announced in Thursday's assault, and Cleveland State University Police has not released further details about the investigation beyond the initial safety alerts. The university says it will share more information as it becomes available.
