News Release
Date 09/11/09
For Immediate Release: Springfield Police Investigating Assault—Encourage Personal Safety Measures
The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate a recent assault which took place in the 700 block of East Harrison, on or near the campus of Missouri State University. On September 1 at 9:00 p.m., a Springfield woman was jogging along Harrison when she was attacked from behind and assaulted by a man. Her injuries were minor, no arrests have been made, and the suspect is unknown to the woman. He is described as a white male, 18-25 years of age, athletic build wearing a black or dark colored hoodie, ragged, baggy jeans, and baseball cap.
Springfield Police encourage students of MSU, and citizens living near campus, to use safety when exercising outdoors or walking.
- Jogging should be done before dark or with a partner.
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Look for suspicious persons or activity before entering or exiting your car alone.
- Call police at 911 if you observe any suspicious persons or situations.
Typically, the first of the school year brings a small increase in reported incidences in and around Missouri State University and this year is no exception, with a recent report of a burglary and another jogger confronted by a subject aggressively soliciting money.
The campus of Missouri State University is a safe environment to work and attend school and the police department is actively investigating these cases and working with its own campus police officers and MSU’s safety office, to not only locate the suspect, but to ensure continued student safety.
Media Contact: On-Duty Watch Commander 417-864-1810
Release authorized by: Lt. Kirk Manlove
