People may have been drugged off-campus, UVM police say – reports follow Cornell lawsuit

by Guy Page

UVM police are investigating reports that people may have been drugged without their knowledge at off-campus locations in the Burlington area, university officials said in a campus safety alert Wednesday.

UVM Police and Safety Teams said they received allegations involving incapacitating drugs, sometimes referred to as “date rape” drugs. Criminal investigations are ongoing.

The university is offering a “substantial cash reward” for information leading to the apprehension of anyone responsible for administering drugs to people without their knowledge or consent. Officials did not disclose how many incidents have been reported, where they allegedly occurred or the amount of the reward.

The reports and heightened interest follow the filing of a lawsuit last month by a woman who claims she was drugged and raped at a Cornell University fraternity.

UVM urged students and other community members attending parties, bars or restaurants to keep drinks in sight, avoid accepting open drinks from others and avoid drinking from shared punch bowls or other open containers.

People who experience symptoms including weakness, slurred speech, loss of coordination, impaired vision, blackout or loss of consciousness are urged to seek medical help and testing as soon as possible.

UVM said its Student Health service is providing weekend on-call screening for incapacitating drugs during October, allowing students with suspected exposure to seek testing without going to an emergency department.

The university also operates an incapacitating-drug screening initiative intended to make testing easier for students.

Anyone with information about the reported incidents is asked to contact UVM Police at 802-656-3473.