University of Iowa reports another stranger sexual assault

The University of Iowa on Monday warned the community of its second reported sexual assault on campus involving a person unknown to the victim.

The warning marks the ninth report of sexual violence on or near campus since classes began Aug. 25. Most have involved acquaintances or suspects known to the victims.

According to the warning email, delivered Monday afternoon, UI police on Saturday received a report that a female student was sexually assaulted by an unknown perpetrator in the late-night hours Friday. The student told investigators she was in a residence hall when the assault occurred.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the department, and they're not releasing more information about the incident.

The university issued its first warning about an assault by an unknown perpetrator Oct. 8. In that case, a female student told UI police that she had been fondled in a sexual manner by an unknown man about 9:30 p.m. Oct. 7, according to the campuswide warning.

She told investigators that she had been walking on the sidewalk near the University Capitol Centre, along Clinton and Washington streets, when an unknown man grabbed her arm, pushed her against the building, whispered in her ear, and then fondled her, police reported.

A bystander stepped in and stopped the assault, and the perpetrator fled, according to police. He was described as a tall male with dark eyes.

The university sends warning emails about crime reports to the campus community in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. School officials last year broadened the scope of crimes that trigger a warning to include acquaintance sexual assault, among other things.

During the last school year, campus officials sent 14 warning emails, including 12 involving sexual misconduct. Those warnings, paired with controversial comments from UI President Sally Mason, prompted protests on the UI campus.

In response, Mason introduced a six-point plan to combat sexual assault on campus, including cracking down on offenders, improving bystander training and education, and putting more resources toward campus safety.