UPDATE (September 23, 2011 - 4:14 P.M.)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State University's chapter of Kappa Alpha fraternity has been placed on temporary suspension as police investigate a reported case of rape at the fraternity house.
Major Jim Russell with Florida State University Police Department says they were called out around 12:06 a.m. Friday to the Kappa Alpha fraternity house located at 418 West College Avenue.
When they arrived, Major Russell says there were approximately "400 people" attending a party at the home.
During the course of the party, Major Russell says it's reported that an 18-year-old female FSU student was led to another room in the house where a sexual battery took place.
Major Russell says it's believed the female student may have been drugged.
Jessee Lyons, Director of Communications for Kappa Alpha Order national headquarters released a statement saying:
"The Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office is collecting information regarding an alleged sexual assault on Thursday, September 22," Lyons said. "Local members and fraternity officials will continue to assist authorities and University officials as the process continues. There are no additional details at this time."
Lyons, however, did go on to confirm that the local Kappa Alpha chapter at FSU has been placed on "suspension" pending the outcome of the police investigation.
Police aren't releasing many details about the potential suspect, or whether they were a fraternity member.
FSU Police are asking anyone who may have been at the Kappa Alpha house during this party to call them at (850) 644-1234 or Big Bend Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-8477.
Crime Prevention Tips:
1. Never accept a drink from a stranger.
2. If you have a beverage, do not let it out of your sight. If you do, then get a fresh drink and dispose of the old one.
3. During an outing, stay with your friends and do not let a friend leave the location with a stranger.
4. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
5. If you are the survivor of a sexual battery, do not bathe, brush your teeth, use the restroom, or wash your clothes. This can preserve important evidence for police.
6. Remember, help is available. Police work closely with Victim Advocates and counselors to provide you with support.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida State University Police Department has received a report of an alleged sexual battery that happened during a Kappa Alpha fraternity party Thursday night. The party was located on 418 W. College Avenue.
The battery happened sometime around 10 p.m. and was reported around midnight. The FSU Police Department is investigating the crime. The case is related to someone tampering with a beverage, and students are not considered to be in immediate danger from the incident.
Police are following up on leads, but they are still asking the public, especially those who at the address before, after, or during the time of the offense to contact Big Bend Crime Stoppers at 850-574-TIPS.
Remember, with Crime Stoppers, you do not have to give you name, and the information you provide may make you eligible for a reward of up to 1000 dollars.
Crime Prevention Tips:
1. Never accept a drink from a stranger.
2. If you have a beverage, do not let it out of your sight. If you do, then get a fresh drink and dispose of the old one.
3. During an outing, stay with your friends and do not let a friend leave the location with a stranger.
4. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
5. If you are the survivor of a sexual battery, do not bathe, brush your teeth, use the restroom, or wash your clothes. This can preserve important evidence for police.
6. Remember, help is available. Police work closely with Victim Advocates and counselors to provide you with support.
This information is provided to you as a public service of the FSU Police Department and is intended to give you important information so you can make informed decisions related to your personal safety.
