HUPD Responds to Reported Assault in Lowell House

The Harvard University Police Department and Cambridge Police Department responded to a report of an assault at Lowell House on Tuesday evening, according to an emergency email alert sent to University affiliates.

An unknown man entered the residence hall by following another individual into the building without authorization and approached the victim from behind as they were entering their room, the alert stated.

The man covered the victim’s mouth and attempted to force them into the room, prompting the victim to scream. “Several people nearby” then exited their rooms, at which point the suspect fled the area.

The victim was a female senior in Lowell House, according to a student familiar with the situation. The victim did not report any physical injuries, according to the alert.

HUPD spokesperson Steven G. Catalano declined to comment on the incident. A spokesperson for CPD declined to comment.

Lowell House Faculty Deans David Laibson and Nina Zipser sent an email to House residents at 7:23 p.m., reassuring that HUPD and CPD officers canvassed the House and the surrounding area, and believe that the man fled.

Laibson wrote that an HUPD officer is “now patrolling the area,” and encouraged students to join them at their residence “to be together as we come to terms with what has happened.”

In the hour after Laibson and Zipser emailed Lowell residents, the faculty deans of Kirkland, Winthrop, and Eliot Houses also sent messages reminding students to remain vigilant about people attempting to follow them into restricted buildings and to keep entrances closed.

Associate Dean of Students Lauren E. Brandt ’01 also sent an email to the student body reiterating the same safety precautions.

In a 9:46 p.m. follow-up email to Lowell residents, Laibson wrote that HUPD was confident the suspect had fled and that Lowell would increase security measures for the rest of the night.

“HUPD is confident that the suspect fled Lowell House earlier today,” he wrote. “We have arranged for a Securitas guard to be present in each of the courtyards all night tonight, observing entry from the gates.”

The incident remains under active investigation, and HUPD officers are continuing to search for the suspect in coordination with CPD, the alert read.

—Staff writer Shawn A. Boehmer can be reached at [email protected] and on Signal at shawnb.18. Follow him on X @ShawnBoehmer.

—Staff writer Claire A. Michal can be reached at [email protected] and on Signal at ClaireMichal.154.