Attacks continue on OU Health Sciences Center

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

Police on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center campus have a warning for the public.

The campus has had a rash of attacks targeting women and men.

Police say a man was attacked Friday morning. He was not badly hurt, but campus police are now warning everyone to stay cautious and on the lookout, especially in parking lots.

"We've had three incidents in the last two weeks," OU Health Sciences Center Chief of Police Ed Welch said.

The first happened in the parking lot of the College of Health. The suspect got away with a woman's phone and a bag.

Then six days later, in a parking garage, a man attempted to steal a woman's purse.

Friday morning around 6:30, the most violent attack happened in the campus park.

Welch said his detectives are looking for more than one suspect. Police have alerted staff and students of the recent crimes.

"We have an emergency communications system which sends out phone calls, text messages, e-mails and that system was used," Welch said.

Faculty we talked to are glad to have the warning but worry it could happen again.

"I've heard some concerns from my coworkers that have said that coming in early or leaving late, it can be kind of scary walking back and forth to their vehicle," Andrew Wright said.

So police ask the public to stay in groups and be aware of their surroundings. It's a practice some employees make part of their daily routine.

"In the mornings we all walk together and in the afternoons we all walk out together," Aumethria Jackson said.

Police have identified the suspect in the first attack and they are in the process of getting an arrest warrant.

Police say he is a black man, about 5' 8", and weighs 160 pounds. He was wearing a green beanie, blue jeans and a black jacket with an oil derrick emblem on the back.

If you have any information to help police, call OU Health Sciences Center police at 271-4911.