Rape at Buff State puts campus on edge

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The weekend rape of a female student has the Buffalo State College campus on edge. Some students say they don't feel safe right now.

A female undergrad was allegedly raped on campus at the Moore Apartment Complex Saturday night. This would be the latest in a series of violent incidents to take place on or around the campus during the fall semester. A student was shot down the street from the campus, and another was the victim of a stabbing near the North Buffalo campus.

Sophomore Naquasia Boyd said, "It's like every week. There's rape and there's shootings and people are going on campus as they please and it's scary."

Police were called to the scene Saturday by the victim.

Campus Police Chief Peter Carey said, "We responded. Had her taken, transported to Erie County Medical Center for treatment and evaluation."

Authorities have identified a person of interest, but have not said if that person has been arrested or if he is a student.

News of the incident has really shaken the community, especially young females. One told News 4 she won't go anywhere on campus now unless she sees a blue emergency light towers.

Freshman Shannen High said, "It was kind of disturbing. We're supposed to be safe on campus, everybody's suppose to be friendly; it's not a big campus so everybody is supposed to know everybody. For something like this to happen, it's startling."

Sophomore Giovanni Espeljo added, "You have to be careful about things all of the time. Wherever you are you have to be very open minded about the things that can happen."

Students have started taking precautions.

"I'm always with a buddy, and if not, I'm on the phone with a buddy, a buddy knows where I'm going," High said.

Boyd added, "I just have to stay away from those areas. I guess I have to protect myself since they're not protecting me."

Campus Police are working with the D.A.'s Office. Authorities believe the victim did not know the man.