Oshkosh, WI (WTAQ) – UW-Oshkosh leaders are urging safety following a frightening incident near campus.
Authorities say a woman said she was followed and harassed by a group of men while walking alone Saturday evening. Venisha Patterson is a UW-Oshkosh freshman.
“I do work quite a ways from school, so I don’t feel safe, especially hearing about that”
The incident happened in the 700 block of Wisconsin Street, about two blocks off campus. According to police the woman ran into a laundry mat to escape the men, but they followed her inside. UWO Campus Police Chief Kurt Leibold.
“She did the right thing. She went into a public place, a place where she could get help. I would have probably advised her to stay in the store and call police so they could have met her there,” Leibold explained.
The woman left the laundry mat and so did the men. The woman reported the men got into a dark SUV and continued to follow her slowly. She eventually got home, unhurt.
Police are reminding students and staff to walk in groups on well lit streets, or seek out safe walks with community service officers if you’re alone. Patterson says that’s what she always tries to do.
“when you’re walking, be aware of everything around you”
The Oshkosh City Police Department is handling this investigation.
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