Russell Street Emergency Alerts

Are the Police Closer to Finding the Perpetrator?

By Elizabeth Barden: Editor in Chief

On October 7, 2015

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CLOCK PHOTO/ JENNIFER TEPPER

Russell Street Emergency Alerts

Are the Police Closer to Finding the Perpetrator?

Elizabeth Barden

Editor in Chief

Local news stations like WMUR, NH State News, and WCVB, Boston’s News Leader have been reporting on Plymouth State’s recent incidents involving alleged abduction attempts. The Town of Plymouth Police Department investigators are all hands-on-deck with these cases.

The first report was made at approximately 1am on Fri. Sept. 18 by a female student walking along the North end of Russell Street. She was approached by a male in a motor vehicle whom attempted to force the students into the motor vehicle. The female student managed to get away and report the incident to police. The male perpetrator and his motor vehicle remain unidentified.

A similar event occurred at approximately 2:15am on Sun. Sept. 27. A female student walking along Russell Street, headed toward Pleasant Street, was approached by a male in a motor vehicle. This male, also, tried to force the female student into his vehicle. She managed to escape and contact authorities. This male subject was reported to have been driving a light colored sedan.

“Hearing that students were almost abducted is scary to hear and think about,” said Heather DuBois, childhood studies major and com- munity advisor in Mary Lyon. “Our campus has always been a safe place.”

The University Police Department, UPD, is undergoing an investigation, but the Plymouth PD will be handling all cases from here on out. The Plymouth Police Department is also now looking to students to fill in some of the blanks. They will now have a bigger presence on campus.

According to University police Director, Steven Temperino, over the next two days, the UPD will be hosting safety talks in the residential halls to help educate students about safety procedures and regain their sense of security.

Director Temperino expressed how the UPD wants to seen as an ally to students, allowing them to feel comfortable calling in any unsafe situation.

“I greatly appreciate that the police are taking their time to talk to all the residential halls about the activity,” said first-year theatre technology major, Clay Harbert. “Although the activity on Russell Street, I’m relieved that both incidents were only attempts and not actual abductions.”

In addition to the safety awareness programs, the UPD is offering two levels of service through Safe Walk: peer-provided safe walks and University police escorts. The program provides a walk, or escort, to students who don’t wish to walk alone. Peer provided safe walks are run through Residential Life, who provide a team of trained students to answer and act on calls, covering all of campus. University police escorts students on campus or nearby campus.

“I’m glad to find out that Safe Walk will walk people to their houses off campus,” said DuBois.

Harbert was also in agreement. He said, “It is great to hear that there will be an increased police and Safe Walk presence on Russell Street from now on.”

Peer-provided Safe Walk: (603) 726- 1358 or (603) 960-2266
Offered Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 10pm-2am

University Police Escort: (603) 535- 2330
Offered during business hours; calls
after will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Police Department Communications Center

The Clock will continue to look into this issue.