Timely Warning: Criminal Sexual Contact (Fondling) Investigation

Timely Warning: Criminal Sexual Contact (Fondling) Investigation

Date: October 7, 2026

Time of Incident: Approximately 4:45pm

Location: Cooper Library

The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) is investigating a reported criminal sexual contact (fondling) involving the touching of the buttocks of a female student by an unknown male that occurred on Wednesday, October. 7, 2026, at approximately 4:45 p.m. on the first floor of Cooper Library. The incident was reported to CUPD on Thursday evening.

In response to this incident, CUPD has increased uniformed patrols in and around the area. CUPD detectives are actively reviewing all available video footage from the surrounding area and interviewing all potential witnesses.

Anyone with additional information or who observed suspicious activity in or around this area on October 7 should contact CUPD at 864-656-2222 or use the Text CU Dispatch feature in the Rave Guardian app for anonymous reporting.

Be Reminded that:

• Survivors and victims are never at fault for the violence they experienced. The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator.
• If someone shares that they have been a victim of a crime, listen without judgement and help connect them to authorities and to resources for assistance and support. 

Crime Prevention Safety Reminders:

• Travel in pairs or with a group, particularly at night. Whenever possible, walk in well-lit areas.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t look or feel right, do what you can to get yourself and those who are with you out of the situation or call for assistance. 
• Never attempt to make contact with persons involved in suspicious activity.
• Do not allow those you do not know to tailgate into a building behind you.
• If you see something, say something and call CUPD at 864-656-2222 to report any suspicious activity.

For Reporting Options, Support or Resources

For information on reporting sexual misconduct, accessing resources on and off campus, supporting survivors and getting involved in sexual misconduct prevention, visit the Interpersonal Violence Resources section on the Dean of Students website.

Issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, a federal law originally known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, that mandates timely notices to the campus community. The Clery Act is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.