A Bethlehem teenager has been charged with attempted homicide and rape after entering an off-campus apartment and assaulting a female Lehigh University graduate student early Wednesday morning, according to The Express-Times.
Bryan Sanchez-Osorio, 17, entered the home, located in the 400 block of Carlton Avenue, through an open window on the first floor. According to court papers, a 911 call was made by two of the victim’s roommates to report an intruder in the home and the victim screaming.
Court papers state that Sanchez-Osorio entered the victim’s bedroom, grabbed her throat and began to choke her. The victim attempted to fight back by scratching, hitting and biting Sanchez-Osorio as he attempted to smother her with a pillow.
Police arrived at the home to find Sanchez-Osorio leaving the victim’s bedroom. After being handcuffed, Sanchez-Osorio ran from police while being escorted to the transport vehicle. According to The Express-Times, Sanchez-Osorio hid under a porch but was chased by police and returned to custody.
According to the court papers, police found the victim unconscious and nude from the waist down. Her upper chest and face were blue, and markings consistent with attempted strangulation were visible. An officer performed a sternum rub in order to determine consciousness and revive the victim.
Court papers say that Sanchez-Osorio later admitted that he was scared the victim was dead.
An email sent to the Lehigh community by Lehigh University police Chief Ed Shuppstated the victim was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where she was examined and treated for her injuries.
Sanchez-Osorio was arraigned this afternoon in the South Bethlehem district court and was sent to Northampton County Prison. His bail was set at $100,000.
Sanchez-Osorio is being charged as an adult for attempted homicide, attempted rape, aggravated assault, burglary, trespassing, and unlawful restraint and escape.
This incident comes as the second intrusion in 24 hours, following Tuesday’s reports of a break-in on the 500 block of East Fifth Street.
Jordan Reese, Director of Media Relations at Lehigh, released a statement on behalf of the University:
“Lehigh University is first and foremost concerned with the safety and well-being of the student, her roommates and the members of the community we share. We extend our concern for the victim and her roommates, as well as our gratitude to law enforcement for the quick apprehension of the suspect.”
According to Reese’s statement, Lehigh administrations are offering counseling and on-campus accommodations for the students involved in the incident.
Additional reporting by Jackie Tenreiro, ’16.
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