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Crime Alert: Sexual Assault Reported Thursday Morning

Anyone with information encouraged to contact Duke Police

The Duke University Police Department is investigating a report late this afternoon of a sexual assault that occurred in a taxi at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, on Science Drive. The student reported taking a taxi with others from Shooters II on West Morgan St. about 1:30 a.m. heading back to campus. After returning to campus and once the other passengers had left, the student reported that the taxi driver touched her inappropriately. The student was able to exit the vehicle and run away. The taxi is described as possibly a light gold or light green minivan with a sliding side door. The taxi driver is described as male of about 40 years old, standing about 5’10” with a medium build. He had short dark curly hair and spoke with a strong foreign accent.If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Duke University Police Department at 919-684-2444.

The following are general safety tips:

  • If you use a taxi for transportation, make sure that the taxi is licensed. Taxi operators are required to display their license in their vehicles. The license includes their name and photograph.
  • When traveling to and from campus late night, try to travel in groups
  • Victims of any form of sexual violence can receive confidential support.
  • If you are a student, you can seek support at the Office of Gender Violence Prevention and Intervention located in the Women’s Center. More information about these services can be found at https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/wc/gender-violence. If you are a Duke employee, you can seek support from Personal Assistance Services. More information about these services can be found at https://www.hr.duke.edu/pas/.