Warning Whistles Distributed as Rapist Stalks USC Campus

Thousands of warning whistles have been distributed to students on the University of Southern California campus in the wake of a series of sexual attacks. Campus security has also has posted 24-hour guards at parking structures, and rape awareness seminars have been held on campus. There have been four rapes on campus this year, compared to one in 1987, said Sgt. John Lewis of campus security. The most recent ones occurred the evening of Oct. 29 and in the late afternoon Nov. 5.

Investigators believe the same man was responsible for both attacks, said Detective Dave Grabelski of the Los Angeles Police Department. The rapist approached the female victims with a gun as they were getting out of their cars at campus parking structures, then drove them to an off-campus spot where they were sexually assaulted before being driven back to the school. “There’s definitely a fear on campus,” Grabelski said. “It’s not being blown out of proportion,”

About 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students attend classes on the 150-acre, inner-city campus. USC had fewer rapes, assaults and burglaries last year than larger UCLA, according to a USC security report.

“We’re aware of the situation and taking precautions. We’re using the buddy system. For the most part, though, it’s not panic,” said student Kimberly Falk, 19.