News bulletin: UW-Green Bay police conclude alleged attack did not take place
A news conference was scheduled for 1 p.m. today (Friday, Oct. 7) at which UW-Green Bay Public Safety Director Randy Christopherson was to make public the following news release:
GREEN BAY - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay police have concluded that an attack alleged to have occurred on the University arboretum trail Thursday, Oct. 6 did not take place. Police based their conclusion on evidence and new information obtained in their investigation.
The University is prepared to provide assistance and support for a female student who alleged that she was attacked on the Arboretum trail at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday. The student is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.
The student reported to police Thursday that she was attacked by a man on an Arboretum trail near the University soccer field.
Randy Christopherson, UW-Green Bay director of public safety, said University police thoroughly investigate all reports of crimes on campus.
He thanked the campus community — students, faculty, staff and visitors — for working to maintain a safe and secure campus and for assistance with the investigation. He also thanked local news media for getting information out to the community.
"We continuously work to strengthen the safety and security of our campus," Christopherson said. "It is truly unfortunate when something like this happens."
Christopherson said the UW-Green Bay campus is a safe living, learning and working community. For example, he noted that there actually has been only one assault by a stranger on the Arboretum trail in the past decade.
However, he said members of the campus community should not have a sense of complacency when it comes to safety issues. He said students and others on campus must be aware of their surroundings when walking on campus.
"Working together, we will make every effort to maintain a safe environment for everyone on campus," Christopherson said.
University officials have been in contact with the student's family and will continue to support her in the aftermath of this incident.
"This student is going through a difficult time," said Brenda Amenson-Hill, assistant dean for campus life. "We are here to work with and assist the student, just as we are here for any of our students who are facing a difficult time in their lives."
