Last Friday, Mar. 2, an unidentified intruder walked into the dorm room of a female Stony Brook student. According to University Police, the intruder, a young male, entered the unlocked dorm room around 5:30 AM and ‘tugged’ the female student’s clothing until she woke up and then left the premises. She was alone at the time of the incident and called University Police after he left, and made the complaint.

Doug Little, the Assistant Chief of the University Police also emphasized a key detail in this case. Because the student’s door was unlocked, this was a crime of opportunity.’ Little commented, ‘We don’t blame victims’hellip;however, crimes of opportunity are just that. The simple task of locking doors is so important for safety.’

According to Dr. Jenny Hwang, the director of the Women and Gender Resources Center,’ ‘we are relieved that no assault occurred.’ However, she also emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, taking this incident as a warning.’ ‘ Hwang noted, ‘It is a pretty common thing for students not to lock or prop doors open’hellip;would you do this at home?’

The case is still under investigation. For more information about student safety programs, please check www.stonybrook.edu/besafe.