Four Fondling Reports Near American University in One Week

D.C. police and the American University Department of Public Safety are investigating four fondling incidents near campus in the past week.

AU safety officials received reports of four incidents since Sept. 24, according to a notice sent to the university community.

In each, the victims were walking along Massachusetts Avenue between the Berkshire Apartments and main campus at night or in the early morning hours when a man approached from behind and grabbed their backsides, according to safety officials. In one incident, the man also grabbed the victim’s chest.

"She basically said that a hooded guy ran by her, and she didn't really here him when he was coming up and when she turned around he was gone," a student who knows one of the victims told News4's Pat Collins.

The fondler was described as a white man age 20-30 and standing between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-10. He has been seen wearing a navy blue sweatshirt, a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, safety officials said.

The university reminded students to walk in groups and avoid dark areas when possible. Keep cellphones handy and report emergencies and suspicious activity to 202-885-3636.

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