WINNIPEG — Students were on high alert Friday after learning an intruder had entered a residential complex on the University of Manitoba campus and attacked a sleeping woman early in the morning.

The Winnipeg police sex crimes unit has launched an investigation into the incident that occurred around 4:45 a.m. at the Arthur V. Mauro residence, 120 Dafoe Road.

“It was a very random event. I believe this individual was sleeping under the protection of his own residence within this complex, so we are treating him with great concern,” said Winnipeg Police Service Const. Dani McKinnon said.

“An intruder entered her room and physically assaulted her. She managed to fend off the suspect while calling for help.

Campus security was alerted and the suspect fled before police arrived. The victim was treated for his injuries and was in stable condition Friday afternoon, McKinnon said.

Although police have not confirmed a possible motive, the sex crimes unit is leading the investigation because it involved “late hours, a female victim and a serious assault occurred,” McKinnon said.

Police could not provide details on how the intruder managed to bypass any security measures that may have been in place at the residence, saying the investigation was in its early stages.

The Mauro Building is six stories tall and can accommodate up to 316 students in 155 suites, according to the university’s website.

McKinnon said the victim’s suite was not on the ground floor of the building.

City police called a news conference just hours after the attack to issue a “public notice” and distribute photos of the suspect, who was captured on surveillance cameras.

He is described as an adult between five feet ten inches and six feet tall, with facial hair and long, unkempt hair. He wore a black toque, a gray hooded sweater and a black jacket. He may have been wearing blue jeans and black shoes and carrying a black and blue backpack.

“We want to find out who this suspect is,” McKinnon said, adding that he “would likely be an unhoused individual.”

McKinnon noted that such attacks are rare at the university and that investigators work closely with the school’s administration and security services.

The University of Manitoba said in an email to the university community that it will increase security on campus in the immediate future.

“Please continue to take steps to ensure your personal safety, including locking doors and being mindful of access points,” the email said.

“We recognize that incidents like this can be destabilizing. »

News of the attack sparked concern at the university, where plainclothes detectives were seen entering the Mauro residence hall and speaking with students.

“I was shocked. You don’t really expect that to happen,” said Hailey Sanderson, a college freshman.

She resides in another student housing complex on campus, a short walk from the scene of the attack.

Doors to campus residence hall buildings are typically locked and students must scan before entering.

However, it is possible for people to enter the building by waiting for someone else to open the door and then following them inside, she explained.

Sanderson has only been on campus for a few months and had to call security once when a drunk man knocked on his door and tried to enter his room.

Sanderson said she thought the person was another student.

Student Services gave her the option to change the suite or floor she lives on after the incident, she said.

“Students deserve to feel safe everywhere, but especially in residence,” said Divya Sharma, president of the University of Manitoba student union.

“When you call this university your home and a stranger can walk into your home at any time and assault you, that’s incorrect.”

A women’s self-defense program was introduced to campus this year. The union hopes to expand the program, which has been “packed to capacity” with participants, Sharma said.

“Women, we all grow up and are told we have to be careful about these things and we also experience things that put us (at risk),” Damarah Juba, another freshman, said of the ‘assault.

Juba lives off campus, but said student housing is typically occupied by international students or people traveling to Winnipeg to attend university – many of whom may not have immediate access to family or friends. other supports.

“Some people have nothing, so if something happens they feel alone or scared,” she said.

Between December 1, 2023 and August 30, seven assaults, seven break-ins and 35 intruders were reported on the University of Manitoba campus, according to data from the school’s security services.

Sharma, who spent two years at the school, said it is not uncommon to see people who are not students walking around or loitering in bus shelters.

She has never heard of anyone breaking into a residence, she said.

The student union president echoed students’ concerns about violence, referencing another random incident Tuesday in which a student was robbed on campus.

Police said two suspects approached an 18-year-old stranger sitting on a park bench around 8:45 p.m. and attacked him with bear spray before stealing his personal property and fleeing.

Sharma said the victim went to a nearby building, where student union staff spent two hours helping him wash the harmful spray off his face. Some of his stolen property was recovered.

Officers arrested two suspects at a home in the 600 block of Pasadena Avenue. A 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were each charged with robbery and mischief under $5,000.

The student union is in contact with the school administration every two weeks and is calling for increased security measures, said UMSU Vice President Rachhvir Dhaliwal.

She said the union was pleased the university immediately increased security following the attacks.

“We recognize that this is a short-term solution, but we continue to advocate for the safety of students here and raise these concerns,” Dhaliwal said.

Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect in Friday’s attack to contact the Sex Crimes Unit at 204-986-6245, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8377 (TIPS) or online.

» Winnipeg Free Press