At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, the Syracuse Police Department responded to a report of a student being attacked while running through Oakwood Cemetery. The suspect reportedly jumped out of the bushes to attack the student. The student began to scream and another runner went to assist. At that point, the suspect grabbed the victim’s cell phone and fled the scene, on foot, heading northbound.
The witness said the man was not wearing any clothes and described him as tall, white, 30-40 years of age, athletic build, short blonde hair and no facial hair.
Syracuse University is focused on supporting the impacted students and is providing resources and services.
If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the incident, please contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5222 or the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.
If you or someone you know has been affected by an incident on or near campus, please know that there are resources available to you. In addition, for your safety, please review these suggested safety strategies.
This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.