HOUSTON — University of Houston students are calling for increased campus security after a string of crimes, including assaults and robberies, were reported within the past week.
Concerns escalated after a man was arrested Friday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a campus parking garage. According to court documents, the attacker raped a 21-year-old student at knifepoint and threatened to kill her if she screamed. Eric Latroy Brown, 40, is charged with aggravated sexual assault and aggravated robbery.
On Tuesday night, a student was robbed at gunpoint while waiting at a METRO bus stop. According to university police, four suspects approached the student and stole their phone.
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Students say they feel unsafe and worry the situation could worsen if additional protective measures are not taken.
“I’ve had my family and friends reach out to me, ‘Hey, do you have mace? Hey, make sure you have a pocketknife or something on you at all times.’ It’s definitely scary,” one student said.
In response, the University of Houston released a statement saying its Executive Steering Committee on Safety and Security is meeting to develop a comprehensive plan with both immediate and long-term strategies to address safety concerns. University police have also increased security in the parking garage where the recent assault occurred, now stationing four officers to patrol the area around the clock.
Several security measures were already in place on campus, including cameras and emergency call buttons, but students said they want to see more efforts to prevent emergencies before they take place.
Students plan to hold a protest on Wednesday to demand stronger security measures on campus.