Florida Memorial University student raped on campus, suspect still at large
Miami Gardens Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault that took place early Sunday morning on the campus of Florida Memorial University, CBS News Miami has learned.
Just before 7:10 a.m., a female student was waiting at a bus stop just off campus near 15800 NW 42nd Ave., when she noticed an unknown man whistling at her, according to police and sources familiar with the investigation.
Concerned for her safety, she returned to campus and checked in with security before heading toward her dorm.
The suspect, described as a man wearing a black hoodie and black pants, reportedly followed her onto campus, pinned her against a building door, and assaulted her before taking off in an unknown direction.
Adonis Clarke, a freshman at FMU, told CBS News Miami that he was shocked by the reported incident and demanded more security on campus.
"We are here to be protected and they are not doing their job," he said. "It's crazy... they need to do a better job. This is not right. Especially at FMU — this is not the first incident to happen and they have to do better."
Following the incident's report, there's an enhanced security presence at FMU's campus. At this time, police are still searching for the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come foward.
CBS News Miami reached out to Florida Memorial University for comment. In a statement, Florida Memorial University President William C. McCormick, Jr. said:
"Florida Memorial University is aware of the incident reported this weekend and takes this matter with the utmost seriousness. The individual responsible remains at large, and in response we have immediately heightened both internal and external security protocols across campus.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. We are working closely and cooperatively with local law enforcement as their investigation continues, and we will maintain full support for all efforts aimed at protecting our campus community.
Out of respect for the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are limited in the details we can share at this time. However, the FMU community will continue to receive timely updates as appropriate.
Florida Memorial University remains resolute in its commitment to providing a secure environment for learning, living, and working. We appreciate the professionalism of our law-enforcement partners and the vigilance of our campus community as this matter is actively pursued."