UCO Officials Increase Security On Campus Following Reports Of Rape

Administrators at UCO are responding after a second rape was reported on campus.

An arrest was made in the first case that was reported in September. There is nothing to indicate the two cases are related in any way.

That latest report came from The Central Plaza Dorms. According to a university spokesperson, police have a person of interest in this case, and that person is a UCO student.

10/5/2012 Related Story: Investigation Continues Into UCO Sexual Assault

Charlie Johnson says this case, like the one earlier, is believed to be an acquaintance assault.

Police say the latest case happened during the early morning hours, around 3 a.m. Friday in a dorm room at the Central Plaza Building.

"To have two reports like this in such a short time on the University campus is very unusual and we are really very concerned and quite frankly upset," Johnson said.

Last week, prosecutors filed felony charges against Elvis Perkins, for another assault at the Murdaugh hall. According to the University, Perkins was not a student, but did know the man he is accused of attacking.

"These are incidences that are clearly acquaintance related inside the closed doors of a residence hall," Johnson said.

Still, Johnson said the University is taking precautionary steps: handing out printed information on awareness and avoidance of sexual assault, particularly acquaintance assault, asking residence assistants to hold floor meetings on the same issues, and increasing police presence.

"We have increased foot patrols simply because we feel like it's a good idea, simply to reassure students and the community that this a safe place and we are concerned, very concerned about safety at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The student who is a person of interest in this latest case is still a student at the University and has been deemed not a threat to other students.

No one has been arrested.