Person in animal mask sexually assaults student in high school bathroom, VA cops say
Early this school year, someone wearing a costume mask entered a bathroom at a Virginia high school and sexually assaulted a student, authorities said.
Months later, the assault is being investigated, according to a Nov. 22 Prince William County Police Department news release shared with McClatchy News.
An adult female student at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas recently told school officials she was in a bathroom on the first-floor of the school when the individual entered her stall and assaulted her, police said.
She reported she was sexually assaulted within the first two weeks of the school year, and the individual was wearing an “animal costume mask,” a dark-colored long-sleeved shirt and full length pants, police said.
In a Nov. 22 email to school parents and guardians, principal Lisamarie Kane said school officials were “recently made aware” of the incident and are now working with law enforcement on an investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by this event and are providing support to the victim and their family during this challenging time,” Kane said in the email, shared with McClatchy News.
In response to the incident, Kane said the school is adding more supervision in shared areas, limiting access to bathrooms during class and continuing to educate students on safety and reporting procedures.
“Please be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to provide a safe and supportive environment for all our students,” Kane said.
Manassas is about a 30-mile drive southwest of Washington, D.C.
