Within the past few weeks, Public Safety has received a total of four reports from students citing that a man had exposed himself to them on, or near, campus. Each incident was reported in a different place around campus, including Opus Hall, the McGloin and Burt Street parking lots and The Highline Apartments at 24th and Dodge streets. 

The incidents happened Monday, Feb. 1 around 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17 around 7:30 p.m. and two incidents were reported Thursday, Feb. 18, within 20 minutes of each other, around 9:00 p.m. 

The man is described in one of the reports as “A white male in his early 20s wearing a black coat, black baseball cap and dark trousers. The suspect is approximately five feet and seven inches tall, slight of build with brown eyes and a rounded face.”

“It’s relatively unusual, but it does happen from time to time,” says Public Safety Director Richard J. McAuliffe of the commonality of these incidents.

“Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot more activity with the warmer weather,” McAuliffe explained. “That is a good time for everyone to watch out for not just that kind of activity, but also robberies or what have you.” 

McAuliffe also revealed that all of the victims of these recent exposures have been women. 

“Oftentimes these individuals are looking for a response, and sometimes they get it and sometimes they don’t,” says McAuliffe, referring to why a typical exposer would reveal himself to a female and why these incidents tend to happen repetitively, rather than just once. 

 “Certainly, single people are perceived as more vulnerable, and it’s more shocking if there’s a group of people,” McAuliffe said. “[…] usually they don’t get the reaction they’re seeking,” he added. 

The ‘Creighton flasher’ – as some have dubbed him – is assumed to follow many of his victims, whether they are in a car or on foot. This is how, presumably, he was able to come into visual contact with a student at her off-campus apartment, (The Highline Apartments) according to McAuliffe and evidence from reports he has received. 

During this particular incident, the perpetrator was standing outside the door of The Highline Apartments, exposing himself, when the student turned around and saw him. 

“[…] we really just want everyone to be aware and part of the solution and quick to look out for a single person walking alone, typically at night between 7 and 9 [p.m.],” said McAuliffe. “[…] it’s really critical for us to make everybody aware – and quick to call in –and then the individual is stopped and arrested and, hopefully, they get the help that they need.” 

The Public Safety Office, as a whole, encourages individuals to contact their offices to report any suspicious behavior as well as remain in groups whenever possible, according to the email sent out to all Creighton students in response to the offenses. 

Public Safety Phone Numbers:

General business: 402.280.2104

Emergency: 402.280.2911

Violence Intervention and Prevention Center: 402.280.3794