By Fernando Alcantara
Western Sun managing editor
An unnamed female was kidnapped in the northwest section of the Golden West College parking lot on Edinger Avenue, taken to unknown location and sexually assaulted by an unknown white male, Friday March 5 at approximately 5:30 p.m.
GWC administrators were notified of the attack on Wednesday, April 7.
According to the Huntington Beach City press release, the suspect, who is a white male in his mid 30’s to 40’s, abducted the female victim while she was walking to her car. The suspect came up behind her, placed his arm around the victim’s neck, brandished a knife and threatened bodily harm if she did not get into the suspect’s vehicle.
The victim was forced into the suspect’s car where she was taken to an unknown location and sexually assaulted. After the assault, the victim was returned to GWC and dropped off in the Gothard Street parking lot.
The suspect was last seen driving southbound on Gothard Street and is described as “chubby” with a shaved head and having a small patch of facial hair on his chin. He was wearing blue jeans and a white or gray t-shirt.
The suspect’s vehicle is described as a black, newer model four door sedan with dark interior. The make, model and license plate number are all unknown.
The suspect is currently at large as the Huntington Beach Police Department in cooperation with Golden West College officials is still investigating the incident. Anyone having knowledge or information regarding the attack is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Szyperski of the HBPD at (714) 536-5988.
Campus security has been heightened and patrolling of the parking lots and campus has been increased in response to the incident.
Margie Bunten, director of public relations and institutional advancement for GWC, comments that although the lot is well lit, that did not stop the suspect from abducting the victim.
“If you ever feel the need for an escort, no one should hesitate to call public safety,” Bunten encourages everyone to program the number for public safety (714) 895-8924 into their cell phones and to request an escort when leaving campus.
The Public Safety Department emphasizes other tips for safety:
1. Be aware of your surroundings.
2. Walk with friends in a group and stay in well-lit areas. Take the SAFEST route.
3. Carry your keys in your hands. This enables you to enter your vehicle faster and your keys can act as a weapon if needed.
4. Walk with confidence. Criminals can sense when you feel vulnerable.
Bunten says that although Golden West College is generally a safe campus, and that incidents such as the occurrence on March 5 are rare, it should not be taken for granted that they will never happen.
Practicing safe habits, always being aware of your surroundings and walking in groups are almost just enough to ensure your own safety. Utilizing the college’s public safety officers for escort is highly recommended.
GWC’s Crisis Management Team will host Safety and Awareness classes that will be available to the Golden West community.
The first class is tentatively scheduled for April 22 and will feature Just Yell Fire, a non-profit organization that teaches girls and young women to fight back against predators and sexual assault.
A video on sexual assault, its worldwide impact and how young women and girls can protect themselves is available for download at http://www.justyellfire.com.
If anyone has any information regarding the incident on March 5 or information of the suspect, please contact GWC Public Safety at (714) 895-8183 or Detective Mike Szyperski of the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 536-5988.
