U of M not investigating reported dorm rape as criminal case

The report of a sexual assault at knifepoint in a University of Minnesota dorm has shifted from a criminal investigation to a "student crisis intervention case," according to the university.

A statement released Thursday said the U of M's police department is no longer investigating the incident, in which an 18-year-old freshman said she had been raped in her Sanford Hall dorm room by two strangers early Sunday morning.

On Wednesday, the university said it had determined the incident was not a case of sexual assault by strangers, but said "it will continue to review any additional information as it becomes available."

University officials weren't saying Thursday why the investigation has ended, but the school's statement said "there is no immediate or ongoing threat to public safety related to this case."

"At this time, the University's primary concern is to support the student who reported the incident and to protect her right to privacy," the statement said.