HOUSTON – A professor at the University of Houston Downtown saved a student from being assaulted in a campus bathroom, said officials.
It happened at approximately 7 p.m. Friday, April 10.
UHD said a man followed a female student into the 3-North women's restroom with a knife and tried to assault her.
University officials said the man is not in any way affiliated with UHD.
Frank Vela, UHD assistant professor in drama, was in the hallway by the O'Kane Theater when he heard the woman screaming and went to help, said UHD.
"Professor Vela entered the restroom, interrupted the assault and detained the perpetrator until UHD police arrived, at which point the individual was placed under arrest," said UHD in an email they sent out to students and staff Thursday.
The university said the student was not hurt.
"I'm kind of glad I have pepper spray because that's really scary. You would think something like that wouldn't happen," said UHD student Katy Delao.
Students on campus told KPRC 2 News they were frustrated that UHD did not immediately alert them about the incident.
"Because the assailant was apprehended, there was no legal or policy requirement that the University issue a notification (per the Clery Act, which addresses campus crime reporting)," said UHD in their email. "A decision was made at that time that a message to the UHD community was not necessary; in hindsight this was not the best decision. Information about this incident should have been shared, both on the basis of right-to-know and as a powerful reminder of the importance of paying attention to personal safety."
"I believe there should be more security inside the building," said UHD student Mohammad Ali.
UHD recognized Vela for his help, saying, "Our thanks to Professor Vela, who by stepping forward last Friday evening may have prevented a bad situation from becoming much worse."