ST. GEORGE — The report of an off-campus sexual assault caused Utah Tech University officials to activate its Safe App platform Thursday afternoon, urging users and the community to exercise caution.
The alert, which went live shortly before 4:40 p.m., reported that someone was sexually assaulted in an off-campus apartment the evening of Saturday, Aug. 19. The investigation is reportedly ongoing, and no suspect has been identified.
The app continually sends notifications until the alert is deactivated, Utah Tech Director of Public Relations Jyl Hall told St. George News. To limit the number of messages people received, it was deactivated shortly before 6 p.m., but it is still considered in effect.
“We take our students’ safety very seriously, so this message was sent out in an abundance of caution,” she added.
Utah Tech urged the community to take safety precautions and report suspicious or illegal activity to the St. George or Utah Tech police departments.
“If you see something, say something,” the alert states.
The university issued the following safety tips:
- Travel in groups: Whenever possible, travel with friends or classmates, especially during late hours.
- Stay in well-lit areas: Stick to well-lit paths and avoid poorly lit or secluded areas.
- Use campus services: Utilize campus security escorts or shuttle services if available.
- Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as using your phone, while walking alone.
- Emergency contacts: Save campus security and local law enforcement numbers in your phone for quick access.
- Bystander intervention: If you witness a potentially unsafe situation, call for help or intervene if it’s safe to do so.
- Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation and seek help.
Click the following links for more information about the Utah Tech Safe App or the university’s victim advocacy services.
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