Three days, five major incidents in Athens; including on-campus death
Several major incidents occurred in Athens between Thursday and Saturday, including a rape and two armed robberies
A death, rape and two armed robberies were all reported in Athens within three days of each other last week, and the city issued a boil order within that same time frame, rendering large portions of city tap water unsafe to consume.
Here are the facts about each incident:
On-campus death
The Ohio University Police Department released a statement Saturday night about 9:00 p.m. detailing an investigation into an individual who died earlier that day in Wilson Hall on West Green.
The cause of death remains unknown.
“Based on the information known to police at this time, there is no reason to believe the death represents an ongoing threat to the safety of the community,” police said.
Ohio University Police Department is investigating a death that occurred Saturday in Wilson Hall on West Green. pic.twitter.com/IXZ1yxLcUc
— The New Political (@TheNewPolitical) September 8, 2019
Rape allegation
Students across campus received an email about 2:00 p.m. Saturday from Ohio University Police Department detailing an alleged rape that occurred Friday night in Shively Hall.
The alleged rapist is described to be a 5 foot, 10 inch tall male with brown hair, bushy eyebrows, square shaped glasses and a “deeper voice,” police said. The man hit the woman on the head during the incident and she sustained minor physical injuries, according to police.
OUPD is searching for a male wanted for a rape that happened Friday night in Shively Hall.
The man is described as having brown hair, bushy eyebrows, square-shaped glasses and a “deeper voice,” police said.Call OUPD at 740-593-1911 If you have information about the incident.— The New Political (@TheNewPolitical) September 7, 2019
Armed robberies
An Ohio U student fell victim to one of two armed robberies in Athens early Thursday morning.
The Athens Police Department responded to the first robbery about 12:10 a.m. at Rufus Drive on South Green. The robber -- who carried a silver gun -- stole a student’s wallet, driver’s license, gift cards, laundry card and $200 cash, police said.
Less than 30 minutes later, police responded to a second armed robbery off-campus at the intersection of West Union Street and South Schafer Street. During that robbery, a $600 smartwatch and $3 cash were stolen at gunpoint from another individual.
Boil order
Students living on and off-campus were alerted of a boil order Thursday evening following a major waterline break in the city.
The city encouraged residents affected by the order, which was in effect between 5:00 p.m. Thursday and 11:00 p.m. Friday, to not drink the tap water or use it to brush their teeth. Those affected were also advised to discard their ice cubes.
During the 31-hour period, signs were posted on numerous campus buildings to warn students that the water was unsafe to consume.
The university provided students living in residence halls with free water bottles.
🚨BOIL ORDER🚨Announced Sept. 5 across campus and a few off-campus locations.
What you can do:• Shower• Wash your hands• Wash dishes with bleachWhat you should avoid:• Brushing your teeth• Drinking the waterNote: Throw out ice cubes pic.twitter.com/yJntgJDL2l— The New Political (@TheNewPolitical) September 5, 2019
A Boil Order has been issued in the City of Athens. See full message for details. https://t.co/Irgox47l5B
— Athens Ohio (@CityofAthensOH) September 5, 2019
