Sex assault reported in VCU bathroom; image released

RICHMOND, Va. -- VCU police are investigating two reports of sexual battery on VCU’s Medical Center campus. Both incidents happened around the same time -- 3:45 p.m.  Monday.

Police released  photos of one person of interest from VCU’s security camera system.

The first reported incident happened inside a first-floor bathroom at the McGlothin Medical Education Center, police said.

It was there a man pushed the victim against a wall and tried to unbutton the victim’s pants. The victim was able to push the man away and leave the restroom.

VCU Police received two reports of sexual battery incidents on the MCV Campus

The second assault happened in front of the Kontos Medical Sciences Building, according to police.

In that instance, the man hit his victim on the butt and then ran away toward Marshall Street.

The suspect from the first incident was described as a black man, between 5’7 to 6’2.

He had a slim build with a goatee.  He was wearing a white shirt or jacket with khaki pants and a black scarf on his head, police said.

Due to the timing of the incidents, and the close proximity of the buildings, VCU Police detectives are working to determine if the incidents are related.

The VCU Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify a person of interest in the investigation.

Chief John Venuti can't say if the suspect is known to the victim, or if he followed her into the bathroom or if he was already there.

"Again, we're still flushing out and investigating the incident," Venuti said.

VCU police said so far there have been four reported sexual battery cases on campus since August 1,  and one of the cases has been solved.  Chief Venuti is confident police will catch the suspect in Monday's attacks.

"Right now, there's 50,000 sets of eyes and ears looking for that guy. And it's only a matter of time before we find him," Venuti said.

As for student Abigail Oyelayo, she will be vigilant while walking on campus.

"I don't think I'll change my routine because it wouldn't be very good to change routine just out of fear," said Oyelayo.

Police have increased patrols on the MCV Campus.

Get more information on these assaults on VCU’s alerts page.