Rape reported in woods near Ballantine Hall

A 19-year-old female student was raped March 22, she reported to the IU Police Department Wednesday. \nAccording to the IUPD reports, the woman said the rape occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. in a wooded area between Ballantine Hall and the Chemistry building. She said she was leaving Jordan Hall after a meeting when she heard footsteps and began walking faster, according to the report.\nThe suspect is described as a black male with a light-skinned complexion and some facial hair, approximately six feet tall with a slim build, wearing blue jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt. The woman said the man grabbed her by the arm and she kicked him to try to get away. According to the report, the suspect dragged her into the wooded area, pushed her to the ground and raped her. She said the suspect threatened to hurt or kill her if she told anyone. Following the incident, the suspect left the area and the woman returned to her residence hall on campus, the police report states.\n"It's not a place where we've had reports of unsafe activity prior to this report," said IUPD Lt. Jerry Minger. "Hopefully someone was in the area who might have seen something unusual."\nThe area behind Jordan Hall was fenced off earlier this month for construction. The IUPD has instituted extra patrols in the area.\nThis is the eighth reported incident of sexual assault the IUPD has received this year. One report of a rape at Assembly Hall on February 22 was retracted by sophomore Mary Bray, who was later charged with false reporting of a crime.\nMinger said the IUPD has not received any other reports of sexual assaults committed by a suspect fitting the woman's description in the last three months and there is no immediate threat to the woman or the community.\nIU Sexual Assault Crisis Services counselor Debbie Melloan-Ruiz said it isn't uncommon for victims to delay reporting incidents of sexual assault.\n"A lot of times people, after having a traumatic experience, will be numb to it and there is a level of denial," Melloan-Ruiz said. "For some people that will last for a while."\nThe Sexual Assault Crisis Services has a 24-hour crisis line so victims can reach a counselor at anytime of the day. \n"Our primary role as counselors is to help people deal with the affects of sexual assault," Melloan-Ruiz said. "Making a decision to report it and take action is a decision we always leave up to the individual. That is something that we as counselors will support with whatever decision they make."\nCounselors from Sexual Assault Crisis Services can be reached 24-hours-a-day at 855-8900 or for general information or appointments at 855-5711.\nMinger said IUPD Detective Greg McClure will carry on the investigation. The IUPD is trying to contact the woman for a second interview. \nAnyone who may have any information regarding the incident should contact McClure at 855-4291 or the IUPD at 855-4111. \n-- Contact Staff Writer Megan Hubartt at mhubartt@indiana.edu