Women Cautioned After Campus Attack

Moorpark College officials are warning women to be careful after the assault of a student in a campus restroom over the weekend.

The attack occurred at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, said college spokeswoman Jeanne Bailey. The woman suffered minor bruises and was back at school Monday, Bailey said.

On Tuesday, college officials began placing fliers around the campus calling attention to the attack and telling students what to do to prevent such an incident.

Authorities described the assailant as a white man, 25 to 30 years old, with blue eyes and brown hair worn in a buzz cut. He was wearing blue jeans, black shoes and a white T-shirt.

“We’re treating it as a simple assault,” said Sgt. Mike Gasperi of the Ventura County Community College District Police Department. “It was not sexual in nature.”

Campus officials want to assure students and faculty that Moorpark College is a safe institution, Gasperi said.

“We’re just going to try to make people more aware of their surroundings,” he said.

Among the department’s recommendations are for female students to walk in pairs and park in lighted areas at night. Officials also say not to enter isolated restrooms alone.

Gasperi said there is at least one campus police officer on duty at all times and four cadets working during the day.

The college district does not have an escort program, but Gasperi said that if a student wants an escort, one can be arranged by calling 378-1455.