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Man Arrested: Breaking In and Groping Co-eds Asleep in Dorms
A suspect has been arrested after breaking into two dorm rooms at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, and groping sleeping women.
The suspect, identified as Dylan Robinson, 21, of Chestertown, was arrested on Sunday, May 15, 2023. He is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of fourth-degree sex offense, and one count of trespassing.
The first incident occurred at around 4:15 a.m. on Sunday when a woman woke up to find Robinson standing over her bed. The woman screamed and Robinson fled the room.
The second incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday when a woman woke up to find Robinson groping her. The woman screamed and Robinson fled the room. As Robinson was retreating through the campus parking lot, one of the victims doused him with pepper spray and snapped a picture of him.
Police were able to identify Robinson using surveillance footage from the campus. He was arrested without incident.
Robinson is being held in the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 18, 2023.
A freshman who is friends with one of the victims commented: “Obviously she was very shaken up and they were posting about it.” “I mean it is not really a good place to be as a young girl.” She continued “It is still unsettling that someone was able to get into the girls dorm. I can never imagine waking up to a man in my room.”
The college has increased security measures on campus in response to the incidents. Students are being encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and are working with the police to ensure the safety of our students,” said Washington College President Kurt Schmoke. “We are grateful for the quick response of the police and the cooperation of our students.”
Dorm Safety Tips for College Girls
Here are some general dorm safety tips for girls:
- Always lock your door and windows, even when you’re in your room. This is especially important if you’re going to be gone for an extended period, such as going to class or the gym.
- Don’t let strangers into your room. If someone knocks on your door and you don’t know them, don’t answer it. If they insist, call campus security.
- Be aware of your surroundings. When you’re walking around campus, be aware of who is around you and what they’re doing. If you feel uncomfortable, walk with a friend or call campus security.
- Don’t walk alone at night. If you have to walk alone at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to assault.
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, remove yourself from it.
Here are some additional tips that may help you stay safe:
- Get to know your neighbors. If you know who your neighbors are, you’ll be more likely to notice if something is out of place.
- Report any suspicious activity to campus security. Even if you’re not sure if something is a problem, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
- Take a self-defense class. Learning how to defend yourself can give you peace of mind and make you feel more confident.
- Be aware of your surroundings online. Just as you would be careful about what you say and do in person, you should also be careful about what you say and do online. Don’t share personal information with people you don’t know, and be careful about what photos you post.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself safe on campus.
Dorm Essential Self-Defense and Security Products
- Pepper Spray – a quick shot of pepper spray to the attacker’s face will make him sorry he decided to break into your dorm room.
- Super Door Stop Alarm – door stopper that not only prevents the door from opening but also sounds a 120 dB alarm upon tampering.
- Portable Door Guard 98dB Alarm with Flashlight – hang the alarm from the handle of the doorknob or window latch and it will detect any vibration or opening. When the alarm is tripped, it will emit a 98dB alarm.
- Stun Guns, Telescopic Steel Batons, or any other self-defense weapon will be useful to help defend yourself in any sticky situation that may arise. Buy it, practice with it, and always have it on your person.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you stay safe on campus. If you ever feel unsafe, please reach out to campus security or a trusted adult.
As always, be safe and be prepared.
