NORFOLK, Va. — Police investigators at Old Dominion University (ODU) need the public's help identifying two people of interest in connection to reports of sexual assault made over the weekend.
"Initially, I was really surprised just because I hadn't heard of — at least in a while — an incident like this occurring," said exercise science major Natali Guzmán, who is a senior at the university.
ODU Chief of Police Garrett Shelton told 13News Now the investigation was prompted after two students came forward.
"I'm thinking of them a lot. I'm very proud that people were able to report," said sophomore psychology major Erica McDonald.
Chief Shelton said his investigators want to talk to these two men, described as two out of four people of interest in connection to this case who they haven't identified and spoken with yet:
The people who filed the reports of sexual assault and sexual battery left an off-campus party on 37th Street, according to a mass "Safety Timely Warning" email.
It went on to say, the "reporting parties" accepted a ride with four people they met at the party in a black Jeep Compass.
According to the alert, the driver brought the group to an on-campus parking garage in the 1300 block of 43rd Street. That's where the alleged assault happened, in the early morning hours on Sunday, February 25.
"It's very shocking, especially because ODU is such a safe campus during the day," McDonald said.
Meanwhile, Chief Shelton said his team is working with a lot of camera surveillance footage.
"The tips we're receiving from the community have been invaluable so far," he added.
The chief also encouraged students to reach out whenever they need help.
"If you feel like you need assistance getting back to campus, call us. We're always here 24 hours a day, and we're always willing to come help you wherever you are, to get back to campus," said Shelton.
Students 13News Now spoke with are staying on high alert.
"I think it just made me realize how much more aware I have to be of my surroundings," said Guzmán.
"Make sure we're walking in a safe path where it's not an alleyway or corner, where there's a lot of people in sight and also, a bunch of light," said sophomore cybersecurity major Niko Florido.
Like McDonald, Guzmán noted she was proud of her fellow students who came forward and said something to police.
"I feel for them that it was a terrible situation, but I also thank them that they were willing to step up and just talk, and allow us also to be able to have a bit more safety," said Guzmán.
No one is charged in connection to this case, at this time.
"We have a lot of evidence we need to comb through to make sure we have all the facts straight before we take any further steps," said Chief Shelton. "In general terms, we would consult with the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office to determine the steps following the investigation."
If you know anything that can help with the investigation, call the ODU Police Department by dialing (757) 683-4000 or 911 from campus phones.
Tips can also be anonymously reported on the free LiveSafe app.