The so-called “Collegetown Creeper” may have struck again.
A female resident of Maplewood Apartments on Maple Ave. reported that at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning a white male entered her unlocked apartment, according to an e-mail sent to the Cornell community last night.
The victim reportedly woke up to the man touching her. He ran out when she woke up.
“The suspect is described as a white male, 20-25 years of age, 5-8 tall, 160 pounds, with short blonde hair and a goatee,” according to the e-mail.
The Creeper has previously been described as a white male, 5-8 to 6 feet tall who might have a ponytail.
The police also received a call at approximately 7:20 a.m. from the same apartment complex from another resident who reported seeing a white male peering into the windows of another apartment. The Cornell police responded, “but were unable to find the suspect. The description provided from this incident fits the description of the white male who entered the other apartment earlier,” according to the e-mail.
“The campus police are continuing to investigate the incident … CUPD is working with the IPD,” said Linda Grace-Kobas, director of Cornell News Service.
This latest intrusion brings the total such incidents up to nearly 20 in the past year. It marks the second time the victim has been touched by the intruder. Growing concern about safety in Collegetown has motivated multiple rallies, as well as discussions with Lauren Signer, chief of police, and local representatives.
In response to many of the concerns raised by students at a recent Common Council meeting, Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson will hold a public discussion session on Monday, Nov. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church at 109 Oak Ave. in conjunction with the Office of Community Relations and the Campus-Community Coalition.
“I’d encourage students to lock their doors and windows,” Kobas said. The police also urge students to use the Cornell Blue Light Escort Service, available by calling 255-7373.
To report suspicious activity or information, call the Cornell Police dispatcher at 255-1111 or the Ithaca Police Department switchboard at 272-9973.
Archived article by Sun Staff