Category: Alerts

CU SAFE ALERT: 1 suspect in custody. Another with red dreadlocks at large, but may not be in the area. Use caution. Call 911 if you see him.

CU Safe Alert: Clemson City Police looking for a white male and Hispanic male possibly armed in the area College Heights.  One male is possibly wearing capri pants and a blue long sleeved jacket.  The other male is possibly wearing khaki pants and a tan hoodie. Call 911 if you see the suspects or need assistance.  Updates to follow.  

On three separate occasions this past week, Clemson students were subjected to racial slurs and other inappropriate conduct while walking on our campus. Due to two of the incidents being reported immediately, Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) officers were able to stop and identify the individuals responsible for this conduct. Those individuals are not affiliated with Clemson University. In coordination with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the appropriate action was taken to deter these individuals from repeating conduct of this nature on our campus.

We take such racially motivated remarks and/or acts toward our students extremely seriously, and such conduct directed at anyone in our community runs counter to Clemson’s values. 

Additionally, this weekend several clear zip lock sandwich bags containing KKK recruitment flyers weighted by small gravel, rice, or dried beans were placed at various roadways and parking lots on our campus. These appear to have been dropped from a moving vehicle. This was not an isolated event on our campus as this type of activity was also reported on that same night in other parts of Oconee County. We are in contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners concerning this matter and it remains an ongoing investigation.

Due to these incidents CUPD has increased our patrols of campus areas that are heavily used by students and will remain vigilant in our efforts to keep Clemson a safe and secure learning environment. 

Please report any information on these or similar incidents on our campus to CUPD (911 or 864-656-2222) or through the Rave “CU” Guardian free mobile safety app found at https://www.clemson.edu/cusafety/cupd/rave-guardian/.

Issued by Clemson University Media Relations in cooperation with the Clemson University Police Department
For additional information, contact CUPD:
VOICE: 864-656-2222   TTY: 864-656-2222   FAX: 864-656-0714
Call Tiger Transit for a ride between campus destinations 6 p.m.-6 a.m. daily: 864-656-3333

Dear members of the Clemson University campus community:

In the early morning of Sept. 11, Clemson University Police Department issued a CU Safe Alert message regarding the apparent abduction and sexual assault of a female student on or near campus that reportedly occurred on the evening of Sept. 10. An Inside Clemson message with further information was sent later in the day on Sept. 11.

After a thorough investigation of the reported incident by CUPD, with the assistance of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, it has now been determined that the reported incident did not occur – a fact that the alleged victim has confirmed to CUPD.

Clemson University takes all reports of sexual assault and violence against students, faculty, staff and visitors extremely seriously, and CUPD dedicated significant resources to fully investigating this report as quickly as possible.

“Our investigation revealed that this incident did not occur as reported, so we felt it was important to share that information with the campus community in order to alleviate any fear and anxiety the report may have caused,” said CUPD Chief Eric Hendricks. “Ultimately, we are thankful that no one was harmed in this incident.”

Members of the campus community are encouraged to remain vigilant with regards to their personal safety and that of their friends and colleagues, and to continue to report instances of sexual misconduct to CUPD or other responsible parties so the appropriate support can be provided to victims in these situations.

The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) received a third-party report of a sexual assault that occurred Saturday, Sept. 10, in the vicinity of Sikes Hall on S.C. Highway 93. A female student was walking back to her apartment when an unknown white male, college age; in his 20’s (no further description provided) forced her into his vehicle (a four-door SUV; unknown make, model, and color) and sexually assaulted her at an unknown location. The victim ended up at Highway 93 and Highway 76. The victim has not made contact with the CUPD at this time. No further information is available. If more information is provided, the campus community will be informed.

CUPD Chief Eric Hendricks urges students and others on campus to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious people or activity to police. He also offers the following safety tips:

-Stay alert to your surroundings, limiting use of earphones and lengthy phone conversations.
-Avoid walking or jogging alone at night. Call Tiger Transit at 864-656-3333 to arrange a ride between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
-Stay in well-lit, populated areas.
-If you feel threatened, call 911 from your cell phone or use one of the blue light emergency phones located around campus.
I-f you are confronted by an attacker, scream loudly and try to run to a safe area.

As always, Counseling and Psychological Services personnel are available to support students who may be impacted by this incident and/or this report. During normal business hours, call CAPS at 864-656-2451 to schedule an appointment. For psychological emergencies after hours and on weekends, contact the CAPS counselor on call through CUPD at 864-656-2222. The dispatcher will obtain your contact information and have the counselor on call return your call.

Notification mandated by the Clery Act
Issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics 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.