Kent State students take extra precautions after two weekend assaults

KENT STATE -- Students and faculty are taking extra precautions after four students were injured during two weekend incidents, one of which was on campus.

Two students reported being robbed and assaulted in the commons area north of the Art Building early Sunday morning, while two other students reported being robbed at gunpoint Saturday morning in a park lot adjacent to campus.

No suspects have been arrested in either incident, which has students updating their daily routines to make sure they're being safe.

"It's just basic precautions," said freshman Amanda Morrow. "You get some people who say 'oh let me walk you to your car' or 'oh let's all walk together here and there.' If somebody approaches me I know how to get out of a situation."

Morrow said she and other students also keep car keys handy as a possible weapon should they need to defend themselves.

Kent State leaders sent info about both incidents to students by email and reminded everyone to be safe while on campus.

"Obviously we're very concerned about the safety of the students and the faculty and staff," said Tom Neumann, Vice President for University Communications.

"We got the information out to the students as quickly as we could because we want them to be aware of what's going on."

Junior Asia Davis said the attacks have shattered the feel of campus life which is supposed to be a safe, secure environment to live and learn.

"My mom always instilled in me 'stay where you're at if it's past 10 o'clock' and that's how I am, "Davis said. "Seeing these (crimes) doesn't really help. all that much. You can still get jumped."