OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — UNO's Department of Public Safety issued its second Timely Warning Bulletin in two days after a report of an assault and attempted kidnapping Wednesday.
The incident occurred in Elmwood Park at 4:30 p.m. near the Dodge Street campus. Tuesday, staff and students were warned of a sexual assault in the park that happened Saturday evening.
Omaha Police notified UNO's Public Safety Department that an assault/possible kidnapping of a female happened in the grotto parking lot, directly south of the park's pavilion.
The Timely Warning Bulletin says the victim reported that while reaching into her vehicle, a white male came up from behind and grabbed her by the arm. The male pulled her toward the suspect vehicle.
Escaping her attacker, the victim was able to get in her car and drive away to call police.
The attacker left the area in a vehicle in an unknown direction. Police checked the campus, park and surrounding areas, unable to locate suspect(s).
One suspect is described as a white male with dark hair and a beard, approximately 30 to 40 years old. He was dressed in a dark colored long sleeve thermal shirt and dark pants.
The second possible suspect has no description but was possibly the driver of the vehicle, described as a white, small 4-door car with no plates.
Omaha Police Investigators are actively investigating the attempted abduction. Currently there is not enough information to connect the incident Saturday to the incident Wednesday.
UNO Public Safety reminds individuals of the following safety tips:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid parking in isolated areas.
- Stay in well-lit areas and on populated pathways.
- Travel in groups; there's always safety in numbers.
- If you observe anyone acting in a suspicious manner, or if you feel threatened in any way, call the police immediately by dialing 9111.
- More information about campus resources for safety, security and support can be found on UNO's website.
Any criminal activity should be reported to UNO's Department of Public Safety at (402)-554-2911 or Omaha Police at 911.
UNO released an update to parking in light of the incident:
Starting May 12, no parking permit will be necessary for students to park in the following areas:
-General use stalls in faculty/staff and student surface lots on Dodge Campus and Scott Campus after 1 p.m. each weekday
-East Garage and West Garage in general use stalls after 1 p.m. each weekday
-Pacific Street Garage general use stalls will be open all day. This garage is connected to Dodge Campus via shuttle service.
