Two assaults, rape reported at West Chester University

Two West Chester University students were assaulted in separate attempted robberies near campus last week, officials said Monday.

Both students were walking alone when they were approached by suspects described in both cases as males who demanded money and then struck the victims, according to campus public safety.

No money was taken from either of the victims, and they were not injured, said West Chester Police Sergeant Louis DeShullo.

Police are still determining whether the incidents are related, he said.

The first occurred on Thursday around 10 p.m. at Sharpless and Darlington streets, but it was not reported until Sunday.

The second took place close to midnight on Saturday at East Nields Street at Sharon Alley.

"Given the proximity [to campus] . . . we felt it was important to just warn the students that this had occurred and to be aware of their surroundings," said Pam Sheridan, executive director of the university's Office of Communications.

A sexual assault was also reported at West Chester University this weekend. A female student was assaulted in a residence hall on Friday night. The assailant and the victim knew each other, Sheridan said.

- Justine McDaniel