ECU rape investigation

ECU police investigate case of first degree rape, assault with a deadly weapon & kidnapping

By: Arthur Mondale | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: June 26, 2009

A rape investigation is underway and police say the suspect is still at large. The victim says it happened at the Austin Building on campus at ECU.
A police report states it happened before 2pm Wednesday afternoon in a first floor restroom of the classroom building.
Campus police still don't know whether the suspect was waiting in the bathroom for the victim or followed her inside.
Students tell us they're not surprised the incident was reported, they’re more surprised where it was reported to have occurred.
On Wednesday, word of a sexual assault in a classroom bathroom spread fast following text alerts ECU sent to its students.
"I mean you hear about it in the dorm, but not in a classroom building in the afternoon when other people are possibly around,” said ECU student Vallinda Pursaud. "I really don't think police presence could of stopped a rape in Austin in the bathroom."
The police report states it was a case of first degree rape, assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. Campus police say the attacker used a knife.
“Unfortunately from time to time bad things happen on the campus,” said East Carolina University spokesperson John Durham.
ECU student Adam Pruitt agrees, “Anybody can go in there right now...with economic times they can't afford to put somebody at every building at every door on this campus."
Spokesman John Durham confirmed the victim was taken to the Pitt Memorial Hospital Emergency room on Wednesday.
Anyone with information should call ECU campus police at (252) 328-6787