Alleged ‘stalker’ on campus trail raises safety concerns

Rumors of a stalker on the Eagle Trail went viral yesterday after a Facebook post from a local Edmond resident sparked concern at Oklahoma Christian University.

The Edmond resident reportedly had her house broken into and her husband discovered a masked man hiding in their bedroom. The day before the incident while on the Eagle Trail, the resident had a bizarre run in with two men who asked her where she lived, according to the victim.

On the same day, a group of high school girls with their mother behind them, were walking the trail when a man approached them. As the man ran by, he inappropriately grabbed one of the females and then took off in a sprint. The mother reported the incident to Campus Police.

Campus Police are unsure if the two incidents are connected and are working with Edmond City Police on the issue.

Neil Arter, dean of students at Oklahoma Christian, addressed the incident in an open meeting with students Thursday night, where he gave a description of the suspect.

“It was a young, early 20s, 5’11, African-American guy with shaved hair, or with no hair, or with very short hair,” Arter said.

To help avoid future incidents, Campus Police suggests running in groups, buddying-up and using the emergency phones anytime a threat presents itself.

Red emergency phone poles are posted along the Eagle Trails. Arter said the phones don’t give an exact location of use.

“They are not told what part of campus you are at when they pick up those phones, so first you need to tell them your location,” Arter said.

Possibilities of installing more lights and hidden security cameras were discussed in response to how students and residents can feel safer on the Eagle Trail in the future. Arter also ensured that there would be more security monitoring the trail.

Currently, there have been no leads on any suspects, and the Edmond Police are still looking into what they are calling a “stalker” that broke into the local resident’s house.

If students have any safety concerns while on campus, Campus Police is reachable at 405-425-5500.

00