CSU San Bernardino on alert after string of violent attacks on campus
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- Police at Cal State San Bernardino are warning students to be vigilant after several violent crimes were reported on campus within weeks.
The latest incident was reported at about 3 p.m. Sunday, according to a message sent to students. The victim told police a man attempted to kidnap her as she talked on her cellphone outside the John M. Pfau Library.
The suspect allegedly put his hand over her mouth and said, "Come on, let's go for a ride in my car," according to a campus crime alert. The woman managed to elbow the suspect and run away.
The suspect was described as 5 foot 8 with a thin build and medium length dark-colored hair. He was last seen wearing dark-colored shorts and a gray T-shirt.
John M. Pfau Library at CSU San Bernardino is shown in this undated file photo.
On March 4, police said a man with a similar description attempted to sexually assault a woman inside the John M. Pfau Library's stairwell at about 7:30 p.m. The victim resisted the attempt and the suspect fled the building, university police said.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, between 19 and 21 years old, standing around 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 8 inches, weighing between 135 and 145 pounds with curly black hair. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, tan cargo shorts, black socks and carrying a red backpack. It's unclear if the male suspect is connected to both attacks.
On Feb. 24, a male student was carjacked while sleeping in his vehicle in Parking Lot G.
"The man basically climbed into the car and put a gun to the student's head and forced him to drive off campus," said Joe Gutierrez, a CSUSB spokesman.
Once off campus, the suspect then allegedly demanded money and the victim's cellphone. He ordered the victim out of the car and fled the scene. Julio Cesar De La Luz, 20, of San Bernardino was ultimately arrested in connection to the armed carjacking following a short pursuit.
Meanwhile, students at CSUSB say they're on edge.
"I'm very concerned, I go to school, I'm here late at night," said student Brittany Mora. "Finals are coming up and there's still people that are having midterms going on as well so it's scary knowing that it's happening in the library."
"I feel like if this is our school, we should be able to feel safe, we should be able to walk to our classes without worrying who is going to do what," said student Troy Ivery of Fontana.
Fliers have been posted throughout campus, warning students about the attacks. Police officers from other CSU campuses have also been brought in to help.
CSUSB President Tomas D. Morales produced a video addressing campus safety in light of the recent criminal activity on campus.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call CSU San Bernardino campus police at (909) 537-5165.
