Ball State University freshman Kimberly Metsker stood in the circle of light around the Scheumann Stadium bus stop and watched a white van pull up. It was almost midnight, and Metsker was finishing up a quick trip back to the stadium to get her purse out of her car. The driver unrolled his window and told her to get in. Metsker refused, so the driver got out and walked towards her. She began to wish her phone hadn't just died.
Fortunately, Metsker said, three male students walked up at that moment, and the driver got back into the van and drove away. About 30 minutes later, she filed an attempted abduction report with university police.
Following Thursday night's incident, university police are increasing patrol so students stay safe, Director of Public Safety Gene Burton said. While Metsker was not harmed, it is important to make sure all students feel and are safe, he said.
The male driver never grabbed Metsker, and there was no contact between him and the male students, Burton said. Metsker said the suspect didn't come closer than about 7 feet.
The suspect is described as in his early 40s, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and about 175 pounds. He was wearing a red flannel shirt and dirty jeans with holes in the knees and had brown hair with grey highlights, Burton said.
The van was white, clean, had windows only in the front and had some rust below the driver's side of the vehicle, he said. Metsker did not get the license plate number, he said.
Burton said attempts such as this are rare, and did not remember another one. Police patrols will be increased through the end of the semester, he said.
Metsker said she won't leave her car in the stadium parking lot anymore, and planned to take other precautions.
"[I'm going to] keep my phone charged at all times," she said, "and going to go get mace tomorrow. The stores were closed this weekend."
Students should not walk alone at night and should be careful when approached by a strange person or vehicle, Burton said.
"If it's something as simple as asking for directions you can have that conversation from six to eight feet away from the vehicle," he said.
He recommended students use Ball State's escort service, Charlie's Charter, when possible. It is available Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and can be reached by calling (765) or (765) 285-5005.
University police ask anyone with information on the suspect or vehicle to call (765) 285-1111 or 911.
SuspectThe suspect is described as male, in his 40s, 5 feet and 9 inches tall and 175 pounds with brown hair and gray highlights.
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