Updated: Oct. 5, 2021 at 7:40 p.m.

A GW staff member suffered serious injuries after an unknown man assaulted them with the intent to commit sexual abuse in the G Street Garage Monday afternoon, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

The suspect, described as a Black male with a slim build and a goatee, committed assault with the intent to commit first degree sexual abuse offense which left the victim with non-life threatening injuries, according to a release from MPD. The victim was then transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, according to the release.

The suspect used a “long nail” as a weapon, according to an MPD report.

“There are no updates at this time, and this is still an active investigation,” MPD spokesperson Brianna Burch said in an email.

The suspect was wearing a blue shirt with white writing and a “Covid style” mask, according to the release. The release states anyone with knowledge of the incident should call MPD at (202)-727-9099 or text the department’s tip line at 50411.

Vice President for the Division of Safety and Facilities Scott Burnotes said in an email to the GW community Monday night that the staff member was walking to their car at 5:30 p.m. when they were assaulted by a man who promptly left the scene. Burnotes said the staff member was transported to a local hospital with “serious” injuries and added that GW Police Department officers are “increasing” patrols in the area surrounding the garage.

“Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” Burnotes said in the email. “GW is cooperating fully with Metropolitan Police Department detectives as they investigate this crime.”

GW officials sent an alert to University community members at about 6:30 p.m., which said there was “police activity” on the 2000 block of G Street and told community members to avoid the area. Officials sent a second alert about 20 minutes later, which said there was no further threat to campus.

The second GW alert and a tweet that MPD posted at 6:10 p.m. stated police were investigating a robbery.

At least seven police cars and three ambulances responded to the incident. GW Emergency Medical Services officials removed the victim in a stretcher from the parking garage after the incident with what appeared to be blood on their shirt. 

This post was updated to include the following:
This post was updated to reflect that the suspect used a long nail as a weapon, and MPD tweeted about an investigation into an armed robbery at the site of the assault. This post was also updated to include a statement from Burch.