Indecent exposure suspect caught, but followed by a new report

Public Safety sent an email to the student body Feb. 12 regarding the arrest of the suspect involved in the Jan 16. and 21 lewd conduct incidents. However, a similar incident occurred with a different suspect just weeks after the previous crimes. Panther Archives

Chapman students felt a sense of relief after receiving an email from Public Safety regarding the arrest of the suspect involved in the Jan. 16 and Jan. 21 lewd conduct and indecent exposure incidents. However, following the arrest a similar incident occurred with a different suspect Feb. 12. south of Hooves Liquor Store on the 400 block of North Glassell Street.

The involved student was walking on the sidewalk when a mid-2000s black or dark blue Nissan or Hyundai pulled up to the curb and asked for directions to Chapman University. The suspect then moved a map they were holding over their lap and exposed themselves while engaged in a lewd act, according to Public Safety’s Feb.12 email.

The suspect was described as a, 40 to 50 years old, man with a light complexion and light brown hair. It has not been ruled out that the new suspect could be connected to the former, said Randy Burba, Chief of Public Safety. w*Chapman’s high concentration of pedestrians is a possibility for drawing these individuals to campus, according to Burba.

Incidents that occur on university property or immediately adjacent to it are considered to be on campus. Leena Ettachfini, a freshman undeclared major, is grateful to be informed by Public Safety about the ongoing situations.

“(Increased crime) is scary. Since I am a woman, it does worry me a lot,” Ettachfini said. “But as far as informing (the students), I believe Public Safety is doing OK because I was aware of this happening. They are sending emails which is a good way to get the word out.”

Last semester, Ettachfini had a late class at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and is now concerned for other students walking back from late classes.

Gabriella Shelton, a freshman screenwriting major, has a 7 p.m. to 9:45 pm class at Dodge and has been nervous walking back alone on Palm Avenue.

Although students can contact Public Safety to assist them when walking across campus, Shelton feels this service should be offered more explicitly.

“You can contact someone and have (Public Safety) walk with you, but that should already be happening,” Shelton said. “I shouldn’t have to contact someone, a teacher should be able to offer an officer that can walk you back after class.”

The frequency of the emails issued by Public Safety have been alarming, but Shelton is grateful for being informed about the ongoing situations.

No other details have been released about the nature of the incident and the Orange Police Department and Public Safety will continue to work to solve the case. Burba told The Panther that he encourages students to report if they see anything happen, as most crimes are solved from tips in the community.