[Pomona] Crime Alert August 24, 2006

[Admin]

CRIME ALERT: August 24, 2006

Recent off-campus crimes have occurred on Valley Boulevard in Pomona and the Pomona-Walnut border. Due to the proximity and nature of these crimes, the University Police Department is alerting the campus community to these events and reminding everyone to follow safety measures.

The Pomona Police Department reported that on Aug. 21, a 67-year-old woman taking a walk at about 6 a.m. was grabbed from behind on Valley Boulevard near the 57 Freeway overpass. The attacker severely injured the woman when she attempted to ward him off. She was sexually assaulted and robbed. Pomona Police believe the suspect then ran along the railroad tracks and headed north on Temple Avenue. The suspect is believed to be a man of Latino or Caucasian background in his 30s or 40s, from 5’7” to 6’ tall, 150-180 pounds, with short brown or black hair. He could have been wearing a burgundy or dark-colored jacket.

Detectives are investigating a prior incident, approximately Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m., that might be related. A 47-year-old woman walking alone was accosted from behind and sexually assaulted on Valley Boulevard in Walnut, near its border with Pomona. This suspect was described as a man of Latino or Caucasian background, 6’ tall, 180 pounds, wearing a long blue shirt, blue shorts or pants and a blue baseball cap.

Anyone with information on these crimes or who saw a similar person in either of these areas during the time of these crimes is encouraged to call the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085.

Cal Poly Pomona’s University Police Department also encourages its campus community to practice general safety measures:

• Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings
• Avoid dark and secluded places
• Do not travel alone, especially at night
• Secure doors and windows to your residence and car
• Have your key in hand before you reach your building or car
• Avoid strangers
• Keep emergency numbers near your telephone
• Know the locations of public telephones on routes you travel
• Call University Police at (909) 869-3070 if you need escort services.

In addition, Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in October include free self-defense classes for women. These courses provide important tips on personal safety, physical defense techniques and assertiveness training. The classes are scheduled Oct. 9 and 10, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in Java the Hut (Building 71). For information on the Self-Defense Class for Women, call the Stop Violence Office at (909) 869-3112.