A police investigation is under way in Chicago after a 21-year-old woman alleged she was sexually assaulted during a fraternity party near the University of Chicago.
Authorities have identified a person of interest in the case, but no charges had been filed as of Wednesday evening. The incident has drawn significant attention, while the fraternity involved has suspended its activities pending the outcome of the investigation.
Woman's account
The incident was reported in the early hours of 11 October at a party hosted by the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity in the Hyde Park area near the university.
According to reports cited by ABC News, the woman attended the event with two friends after seeing an announcement on the fraternity's Instagram account.
She told police she had consumed alcohol but later began feeling unwell and experienced memory lapses. The woman alleged she was subsequently sexually assaulted and was unable to resist because of her condition.
Friends intervene
According to witness accounts included in police reports, the woman's friends began searching for her after becoming concerned about her whereabouts.
They eventually located her and intervened, later helping her leave the area and seek assistance.
The woman was subsequently transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center for medical treatment.
Person of interest identified
The University of Chicago said a person of interest has been identified through witness statements, surveillance footage and other investigative methods.
The university said the individual is neither a student nor affiliated with the institution and has been barred from campus.
Evidence gathered by university authorities has been provided to the Chicago Police Department, which is leading the criminal investigation.
Fraternity suspends activities
In a statement, Alpha Epsilon Pi condemned sexual violence and described the allegations as deeply disturbing.
The fraternity said members responded after being alerted to the situation and cooperated with emergency responders and investigators.
A spokesperson for the organisation said the individual accused in the case is not a member of the fraternity.
The national organisation has instructed the Chicago chapter to suspend all events and activities while the investigation continues.
Renewed scrutiny of fraternity culture
The case has reignited discussion in the United States about safety at fraternity events and the responsibility of organisers to protect attendees.
University officials said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and remain focused on supporting the woman who reported the alleged assault.
Source: ABC News / New York Times
