UPDATE (9/8/25 @ 4:52 p.m.):
UW-Whitewater Police Chief Matt Kiederlen has issued updates regarding both incidents that happened in the Wells residence halls Saturday, Sept. 6.
Regarding the reported sexual assault, police have identified a potential suspect and have taken them into custody. The case is currently under review, and any potential charges will be referred to the district attorney’s office. No further information will be released to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
The only update released about the alleged extortion is that the incident was reported to police at 10:03 a.m. Sept. 7, over 12 hours after the alleged incident occured.
Wells Hall lobby entrances will remain open during the day to allow access to University Fitness. Residential area access points will remain secured throughout the day, only accessible by valid student ID with appropriate building assignment. Wells students and faculty are the only ones allowed to access elevators and stairwells in the building.
Both incidents are still under investigation by University Police.
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UW-Whitewater received reports on two separate incidents that happened in the Wells residence halls Saturday, Sept. 6. The university made students aware of these incidents in compliance with the “Timely Warning” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.
The first incident happened around 1 a.m, when a sexual assault was reported in Wells West. The individuals involved are not known to one another. An investigation is underway and no further information was released at this time.
The second incident happened on the latter half of the day, when around 9:15 p.m, three males in ski masks were allegedly banging on doors and saying they would shoot people if they did not give them food. Despite the threats, no weapons were displayed on scene. University police assured students that there was no current threat to campus safety after the incident.
Students anonymously expressed concerns about these incidents on Yik Yak. One student said “Literally crying so hard, I don’t feel safe on the campus anymore.” Another said “The Class of 2029 actually horrifies me.”
Both incidents are under investigation. Royal Purple has reached out to UW-Whitewater Police for further comment.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660. Any information involving the sexual assault can also be forwarded to the Dean of Students office at 262-472-1533 or the Title IX Coordinator at 262-472-1024.
