April 07, 2016
A West Chester University student has been charged with raping a female student at the New Street Parking garage. It was one of two sexual assaults reported on or near the school's campus last weekend.
Austin Eaddy, 23, of Philadelphia, is charged with rape, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault – all felonies. He's also been charged with related misdemeanor and summary offenses, according to court documents.
Unable to post the $100,000 monetary bail, Eaddy is being held at Chester County Prison.
Eaddy allegedly raped the woman when she arrived at the parking garage after attending an off-campus party at 2:30 a.m. Saturday. He surrendered to police Wednesday, a university spokeswoman said.
Interim university President Christopher Fiorentino released a statement saying sexual violence will not be tolerated at West Chester.
"Every student on West Chester University’s campus should know that the University treats sexual misconduct and violence with the utmost seriousness," Fiorentino said. "Our hearts go out to the victim, and we are assured that justice will be served. All over West Chester University, students, faculty and staff are helping to send a very clear message that violence is not okay, and everyone is expected to do their part to prevent violence."
Another unrelated sexual assault was reported by a student who said a male acquaintance assaulted her Friday when she was sleeping. When she awoke, the suspect left. He is not a West Chester student and remains at large. The university's public safety department described him as a tall, white man.
Anyone with information is asked to call the West Chester Department of Public Safety at 610-436-3311.
In a letter sent to students, staff and faculty on Monday, Fiorentino noted confidential services and resources are available to all sexual assault victims at the university's health, counseling and women's centers.
