Police investigate alleged sexual assaults at Douglas Freeman High

Two Douglas S. Freeman High School students were sexually assaulted before school on Thursday near campus, according to Henrico Police.

The alleged assaults occurred in the parking lot of the high school, and police believe the same person committed both assaults. The two victims went immediately to their school counselors, who reported the incidents to school administration and the school resource officer, according to an email from Principal John Marshall to Douglas Freeman families.

“I am very proud of our students for reporting this right away — their quick action may have prevented more incidents from occurring and their courage to speak out against this act is a model for their peers,” reads the email from Marshall. “This type of action on our campus (or anywhere) from students or those in our community is obviously abhorrent, a crime, and will not be tolerated. I am crushed that this happened on our campus under my watch and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.”

School officials are placing more staff in the parking lots in the morning hours and  are evaluating other ways to prevent any additional assaults from happening.

The suspect is described as a juvenile male, 5 foot 8, with dark colored hair and was wearing a mask, consistent with COVID-19 requirements.  The person reportedly was wearing all black and had a pink backpack.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information may call SRO O’Dell at (804) 501-5000. Anonymous tips may also be provided by calling Crime Stoppers (804) 780-1000 or online at P3tips.com.