Two recent assaults unrelated

Over Spring Break, two assaults were reported by college students. On March 17, a woman reported being grabbed around the waist while walking on Tappan Square around 11 p.m. The assailant was described as a 5' 7'' white male wearing dark clothing. The woman was able to break free from his grip and escape. The student notified the Department of Safety and Security and the Oberlin Police Department, which is now investigating the incident.

The next day, a male was assaulted after leaving the ATM at Lorain National Bank around 11 p.m. According to the victim, a 6' 4'' black male approached him asking for money. When the victim refused, the assailant forced him into an alcove demanding money. It is unclear whether the assailant had a weapon. The victim escaped his grasp and notified the Oberlin Police Department.

The Police later apprehended Wayne Johnson, 38, who will have a preliminary hearing April 7 in the Oberlin Municipal Court. He faces charges of one felony count of robbery and two misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphenalia.

Director of Safety and Security Keith James said Security is doing everything it can to make the campus a safer place for students. "Oberlin continues to be a relatively safe campus. Individuals need to share the responsibility of their personal safety with us, and know that we will do everything we can to ensure that safety. But incidents happen sometimes," he said.

James said he encourages students to call a Security escort or use the shuttle system rather than walk around campus alone at night.

"We've also asked the Oberlin Police Department to assist us in stepping up patrol in the Tappan Square area to to make it safer," James said.