Update: Police have arrested Denzel Delk. A search warrant says he and two other men raped the victim while she was blacked out. Delk is charged with rape, grand larceny and possession. The two other men have not been arrested.
Norfolk, Va. - When an alert about a sexual assault showed up in students' phones Tuesday night, it wasn't just the message that had some students upset.
"I was just a little concerned because it [was reported] on Monday and we didn't get it until, yesterday was what, Tuesday? And we didn't get it until 6 o'clock at night," said junior Mikey Fenn.
Another student, senior Briana Smith agreed. "It's called an ODU alert. We're supposed to be alerted when these things are happening so we can better protect ourselves."
According to the alert, someone was sexually assaulted in a campus dorm early Saturday.
The assault involved three suspects the victim didn't know. They were at the dorm for a party and had been let inside by a friend of someone who lived there.
The assault was reported Monday, but it wasn't until Tuesday night that students were notified.
Once she did get the alert, Fenn says she still had questions. "I just kind of wish they could have gone more in depth. I understand they can only go with what they're given, but if they could give us at least the residence hall."
NewsChannel 3 reached out to university officials, but a spokesperson says they cannot any release more information about what happened or where, saying they are early in the investigation and want to protect the victim's identity.
A spokesperson did say that the alert was sent as soon as they determined students could still be at risk. According to the spokesperson, it was late in the day Monday when the assault was reported and the investigation actually began.
ODU police are still looking for the three suspects and say they have increased security around the residence halls.
If you know anything about the assault, call ODU police at 757-683- 4000.
The entire alert sent to students can be seen below:
The Old Dominion University Police Department is investigating a sexual assault that was reported on Nov. 10, 2014, and which occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 8.
While the University Police investigation is in a preliminary stage, it appears the suspects were invited to a social gathering in a University residence hall by an acquaintance of a resident. The investigation has determined there is a reasonable belief these individuals may pose an ongoing threat to the campus community. The suspects are not known to the victim.
- Suspect 1: Black male with long dread locks; last seen wearing a white sweat shirt and dark pants
- Suspect 2: Black male with short corn rows; last seen wearing camouflage pants
- Suspect 3: Black male with very short hair; last seen wearing black/blue shirt, dark pants and shoes
As a result of this incident, University police and security patrols have been increased in areas near residence halls. All members of the University community are reminded to limit guests in residence halls to individuals that are personal acquaintances and to follow guest registration policies that are designed for the safety of the resident hall community.
University Police also suggest members of the campus community follow these additional safety tips:
- Contact police regarding suspicious persons
- Trust your instincts
- If you feel unsafe, get to a safe place and call for help
- Never feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to
- "I don’t want to" is always a good enough reason
Anyone with information on this assault is asked to call Old Dominion University Police at 757-683- 4000.
