SECURITY ALERT -Simple Assault

The Vanderbilt University Police Department is investigating a report made on August 28 by a student that states she was the victim of a simple assault on August 26 by a taxi cab driver. Police are investigating whether this assault is related to another incident August 26 that was the subject of an earlier Security Alert.

In the report made August 28, the student stated that she was walking on 24th Avenue between Vanderbilt Place and Kensington Place when a taxi cab driver offered her a ride. When the student attempted to get into the back of the vehicle, the driver locked the back doors and told her to get into the front seat. Once inside the car the student noticed that the driver had not started the meter. When she tried to point this out to the driver, he slapped her hand away from the meter. The driver attempted to turn in the wrong directions from where the student asked to go. During the trip, the student said the driver touched her neck and arm and made inappropriate comments.

After arriving at the off campus destination and leaving the vehicle, the student said the suspect blocked her path with his vehicle multiple times.

Suspect Description: Male, black or person of Indian descent, late 20s or early 30s, 6'0", 180 pounds, slender build, slender face, short black hair ("spikey" in the front), brown eyes, dark complexion, last seen wearing a short sleeve shirt. In addition, the driver spoke with an international accent.

Vehicle Description: White 4 door Sedan. The vehicle had a "Taxi" style light on top, a pay meter in the front of the vehicle, with possible a dark blue interior.

EXERCISE CAUTION when entering an unknown vehicle. Sit in the backseat. If you become uncomfortable, ask that you be taken to your original spot and report the incident immediately to the VUPD. If possible call a cab company to have a taxi dispatched to you location. Never get into a taxi cab that is not clearly marked or belongs to a company that you are not familiar with.