The University of Chicago has banned a person of interest from campus in connection with a sexual assault reported at an off-campus fraternity house during a party early Sunday morning. The Chicago Police Department confirmed no arrests have been made as of Thursday.
Authorities identify suspect, campus ban issued
The university identified the person of interest through witness statements and video evidence, which has been shared with law enforcement. The suspect is not affiliated with the university and has been barred from campus property. A university spokesperson stated the individual was banned from campus but did not disclose their name. Multiple people associated with the incident have also been banned, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.
The assault was reported at the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity house located at 5625 S. University Ave., across from the university’s Main Quad. The 21-year-old victim, who was not affiliated with the university, reported the incident to police at 1:50 a.m. Sunday. Surveillance footage captured a person matching the description fleeing the scene, and a university police officer transported the victim to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment.
Witness account and viral video prompt investigation
A friend of the victim, Mia Lara, a 21-year-old student at a nearby university, provided a witness account to The New York Times. Lara described finding her friend slumped against a wall with clothing disheveled, reportedly saying, “Make it stop” and “Get me out of here.” Lara chased the fleeing suspect in a video that circulated on TikTok, confronting him outside the fraternity house. In the video, the suspect is heard replying, “She wanted to,” before running away.
The university issued a statement calling the incident “deeply concerning for the University community” and reiterated its commitment to safety. Officials noted that fraternities are not recognized student organizations at the University of Chicago and have no formal affiliation with the school. All university students remain subject to campus policies and disciplinary procedures.
Police continue investigation, no arrests made
The Chicago Police Department confirmed no arrests have been made and declined to provide further details. The university stated the victim was not a student and did not know the suspect. The incident has drawn attention amid broader concerns about sexual misconduct on college campuses, though this case involves individuals unaffiliated with the university.
University officials emphasized that fraternity houses along Fraternity Row are privately owned and not under university jurisdiction. Students described the area as a site of frequent social events during rush season, when fraternities and sororities recruit new members. The university has not disclosed whether additional disciplinary actions will be taken against the fraternity itself.