American University officials have confirmed the multiple reports of sexual molesting near campus, all occurring within a week.

Four separate incidents of fondling and groping have been reported by female students along the 4200 block of Massachusetts Avenue N.W., between the Berkshire Apartments and the university's main campus.

University spokesperson Maralee Csellar said though the incidents said to have occurred since Sept. 24, they were reported to the American University's Department of Public safety only by Monday.

Csellar said that area of Massachusetts Avenue is often traveled by students although it is off-campus, reports WUSA9.

According to the memorandum issued by the university, the incidents happened between late evening and early hours of morning when the female students were groped from behind by a man and were allegedly fondled.

"She basically said that a hooded guy ran by her, and she didn't really hear him when he was coming up and when she turned around he was gone," a student who knows one of the victims told News 4 NBC.

Victims describe the suspect as a white man aged 20-30 and standing between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-10. He has been seen wearing a navy blue sweatshirt, a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

D.C. police and the American University Department of Public Safety are investigating the alleged incidents.

The university emergency alert memorandum has asked the students to be careful and aware of their surroundings and has suggested certain measures to follow to avoid similar incidents, WTOP reports.

  • Walk in groups whenever possible
  • Avoid isolated and dark areas
  • Carry a cell phone and keep it accessible. Program AU Public Safety into the cell phone for emergencies
  • If approached, take note of the person's appearance, clothing and anything unusual that will help identify the suspect
  • Do not let anyone follow you into the building, or admit anyone as a guest unless they are your guest

The memo has also asked the students to make use of safety escorts it offers to and from university owned property.