SLCPD investigating reported sexual assault at frat house near University of Utah
Oct 3, 2022, 12:45 PM | Updated: Jan 5, 2023, 2:44 pm
FILE: (Ben B. Braun /Deseret News)
(Ben B. Braun /Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating after a student reported being drugged and sexually assaulted last Thursday at a fraternity house near the University of Utah campus.
An alert went out to University of Utah faculty, staff and students saying the sexual assault happened at the Pi Kappa Alpha frat house, located at 1431 East 100 South in Salt Lake City.
The student told police they went to the fraternity with friends and reported feeling sick and nauseous. It was at a local hospital where the student reported being sexually assaulted.
The frat house is technically off-campus, so University of Utah Police and the hospital contacted Salt Lake City Police about the reported assault. SLC Police are investigating.
Meanwhile, the University of Utah said they are glad that the student came forward.
“The University of Utah supports and believe victims when they report cases of sexual violence,” read a statement sent to the media.
“It takes great courage to report these crimes, and we encourage survivors to reach out in the wake of these notifications for support from friends, victim advocates, counselors and/or law enforcement.”
The statement said that the University is working with the national chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and that the local leaders are complying and working with the University. However, the school said they have suspended the social activities of Pi Kappa Alpha.
“The university’s focus remains creating a safe environment for all students and holding those accountable who infringe and violate the safety of others,” said Jason Ramirez, dean of students. “In the interest of safety, all social events will be suspended for Pi Kappa Alpha until further notice.”
Justin A. Buck, Executive Vice President, The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity said in a press release that the local PIKE chapter is committed to cooperating with officials in their investigations.
“The Fraternity condemns sexual assault, abuse, misconduct or violence, and holds its members to high standards of accountability,” said Buck. “This matter is being given the utmost serious attention.”
The SLCPD said it was still waiting on a toxicology report to see if the student had been drugged.
Earlier this year, the university suspended all Greek activities after two students came forward to report sexual assaults at two different frat houses.
The university asked anyone with information to contact the SLCPD at 801-799-3000.
