Safety patrols stepped up after assaults at Gustavus

Officials at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter have increased safety patrols on campus, after two female students were attacked over the weekend in what officials are calling attempted sexual assaults.

The women suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.

"It's clear from the information we've gathered that the intent was to commit a sexual assault. But no sexual assault was actually committed in either case," said Jeff Stocco, the college's dean of students.

Law enforcement officials believe one man is responsible for the two separate assaults. St. Peter police don't have a good description of the suspect at this point.

Such incidents are rare on the campus of 2,400 students, Stocco said.

"I think it's very unsettling because we believe and I still believe that this is a very safe place to learn and to live and to work," Stocco said.

Gustavus officials are reminding students not to walk alone at night, and to use a campus escort program provide by the college.