UW-Milwaukee students react to two reported assaults in two days

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Two assaults near the UW-Milwaukee campus have students on edge.

The attacks happened just blocks apart in broad daylight.

The first happened Monday in the 2700 block of Frederick Avenue around 11:45 a.m. when a woman says a man fondled her, and when she screamed, he ran off.

The second happened Tuesday in the 3100 block of Oakland Avenue around 12:30 p.m.  A woman says a man grabbed her from behind and lifted her off the ground.

Students near UWM are being extra cautious tonight after hearing about the attacks.

“I got a text message from our UWM officers,” said Claire Kiefer, who couldn’t believe one attack happened in her neighborhood. “I was kind of shocked because it was the second one this week, and I live right on Oakland, so it was kind of scary."

“It’s kind of frightening to be honest, 'cause I feel like the fact that it happened on two streets that are semi close to each other,” said Jade Nielsen.

“We’re always told to be careful when we’re walking home late at night, but we don’t really think much of it when I’m just walking home right now in daylight,” added Kiefer.

Milwaukee police are investigating and haven’t said if the assaults are connected.

The University sent out this email to warn students:

"UWM Safe Alert: Assault occurred in the 3100 block of Oakland Ave. around 12:30 PM today. It was reported that the suspect came up behind victim and grabbed her from behind and lifted her off the ground. Suspect is described as a male, black, Approx. 6 feet tall, 20-25 years old, wearing black hooded sweatshirt with a Northface jacket over it. The jacket had a Northface logo on the back right shoulder. Suspect was wearing olive green pants, possibly cargo pants. Suspect last seen walking eastbound on Kenwood Blvd.

The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating. This is similar to report from yesterday. Please call the Milwaukee Police Department Tip Line, (414) 935-7360, if you have any additional information about the incident.

The UWM Police Department would like to remind everyone to remain aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior to police. The UWM Police Department non-emergency line, 414-229-4627, is answered 24 hours a day."

UWM offered a statement to CBS 58 about the incidents: 

"UWM is very concerned about these assaults near campus. The safety of students and other members of our campus community is of paramount importance.

"UWM police are working very closely with Milwaukee police, who are leading the investigation.

"The university offers several measures to keep our campus community safe. These include a full-time police force that patrols campus around the clock, the Be On the Safe Side (B.O.S.S.) ride service, escorts for pedestrians in the SAFEWALK program and the Rave Guardian app, which offers virtual escorts."
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