EMMA PIRHALA / NEWS EDITOR

Last month, the USD Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a safety alert to students and faculty, reporting two incidents of invasions of privacy. As of The USD Vista’s production date, Nov. 5, DPS has not released any information regarding the apprehension of the suspect. 

The first incident occurred on the morning of Oct. 14 when a female student reported that an unknown individual allegedly took a photograph of her while in the women’s restroom on the second floor of the Copley Library. Because the reporter did not provide a description of the suspect, the USD community was not initially alerted of this incident. A separate report was filed on Oct. 23 by another female student after an unknown person allegedly photographed her in a women’s restroom in the Learning Commons. 

The second report provided a detailed description of the suspect, which led to DPS connecting the two incidents through security camera footage and issuing a safety alert. The alert was sent to the campus community six hours after the second event was reported. The email described the suspect, included photos and advised those with any information to reach out to DPS or the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), which DPS is collaborating with to apprehend the perpetrator. 

“The suspect is described as an Asian male adult, wearing prescription glasses, an olive-green hoodie, black sweatpants, and black tennis shoes,” the safety alert stated. 

In a statement to The USD Vista, USD Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Chief James Miyashiro explained the situation and the measures taken to investigate these incidents. 

“DPS and SDPD are actively investigating the incidents to identify and apprehend the suspect,” Miyashiro  stated. “This  includes reviewing security camera footage and collecting any available evidence … There has been an increase in patrols around campus bathrooms and other vulnerable areas to deter potential offenders and ensure student safety.”

Despite   the measures by DPS, USD students remain concerned about the crimes on campus. USD  sophomore Paloma Valencia explained her worries regarding the recent events. 

“As  someone who works in the Learning Commons, I think it’s really scary,” Valencia shared. The fact that [incidents] like these are happening on a college campus, even though efforts are being made to stop them, doesn’t make me feel very safe.”

Although DPS has yet to confirm or deny if the suspect has been apprehended, Miyashiro recommended safety tips for students to protect themselves from suspicious activity. Miyashiro urged students to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings, even when they believe they are in private areas such as restrooms, and to report suspicious activity.  

Any suspicious activity should be reported to DPS immediately via the MyUSD app’s safety button, emergency call boxes or the Department’s phone number at 619-260-7777. Affected students may access other on-campus resources such as the Counseling Center and University Ministry, which provide confidential counseling services free of cost.

A DPS safety alert sent on Oct. 23, provided a photo of the suspect and urged students to contact DPS with any information. Photo courtesy of USD Department of Public Safety