Two juveniles were arrested Friday, July 20 after robbing and sexually assaulting a female Northeastern student Tuesday July 17 at 8:40 p.m. in a isolated area between the P.E. Building and WTTW.
As the female student was walking to the bus stop, she was followed by the two young assailants ages 12 & 13. At 8:40 p.m. they tackled her to the ground. According to Director of Public Safety Jim Lyon, one of the assailants put her in a chokehold, fondled the victims left breast and made sexually explicit comments to her while the other assailant took her wallet.
“This type of incident has been very infrequent at Northeastern. However, I urge the entire University community to be extremely vigilant when walking alone, particularly late at night. Please report immediately any unusual or suspicious behavior to Public Safety,” said Lyon.
Lyon said that the incident happened in a sparsely populated area between the Physical Education Building and Parking Lot J near the open space between the Physical Education Building and WTTW near a bench. Krehbiel described the area as having good lighting.
The suspects were arrested on Friday July 20 in the afternoon after Chicago Police received a tip from councilors at the group home where the two juveniles lived, according to 17th Dist. Tactical Unit Lt. Joe Porebski. Porebeski said that the two juveniles were bragging about the crime at the group home causing councilors at the home to become concerned.
After the two were brought in to custody, and one eventually confessed. NEIU Police Chief Lyon and a watch commander met with Area 5 SVU Juvenile Detectives, Area 5 Detectives and 17th District personnel. Chicago Police credited investigative work done by the NEIU Police Department as key to bringing charges against the two youths, “They made the case for us,” said Lt. Porebeski.
Public Safety increased patrols around campus after the incident. “I would also like to remind the community that escort service is available by calling Public Safety,” said Lyon in his crime alert.
University officials did not release the name of the alleged victim.