Students react to man taking photos of woman showering

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue police continue to search for a man accused of taking a picture of a female student in the shower at a residence hall. Investigators are now clarifying that, despite initial reports, they believe only one student was a victim.

"It seems a little odd that somehow he would get into the dorms, but there's always a possibility," said Purdue student Danielle Redkey.

A possibility turned into an actuality Sunday afternoon. Purdue police said a man was snapping photos of a woman showering in a dorm. The incident happened on the eighth floor of Hawkins Hall where a college-aged male, wearing a dark blue sweatshirt with a white triangular design, was spotted in the bathroom.

"After the initial complaint, a second witness came forward and stated that she was actually in the bathroom at the same time. She did not get a look at the suspect, however, she reported that there was a suspicious male in the area a few days prior," said Detective Matt Wietbrock.

Wietbrock said the second witness did not feel victimized by the man.

The incident now has other students wondering how the unescorted guest even made it to the eighth floor, because Hawkins Hall requires a card key to enter.

"I'd be really freaked out. They're supposed to be safe locations and there's supposed to be security and everything, so I would definitely feel a little bit betrayed by Purdue and the staff," said Purdue student Lindsay Keathley.

"I don't feel like somebody random could make it all the way up there to the eighth floor. Maybe a first floor or something but to go all the way up to the eighth floor just to do that? I feel like it was probably just somebody's friend who was just messing around," said Purdue student Anna Lupp.

Police said all students need to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior. If you notice something's not right, report it.

"See something, say something. If you see something suspicious, it's time to raise the alert. It's time to say something, whether that be to a friend, to an RA (resident assistant), to a staff resident, or to the police," Wietbrock said.

A similar incident was reported in August. Forty-year-old Neil Albee exposed himself to a female while she showered in Earhart resident hall. He was caught and arrested for indecent exposure.

If you have any information involving the incident, you're asked to call the Purdue Police Department at 765-494-8221.