*UPDATE: University of Pittsburgh Police have released an update regarding the Tuesday incident described in this story.
It was discovered the men who ran at a female student were participating in a scavenger hunt, where one of the tasks was to “scare someone.” The men, who attend Denison University in Granville, Ohio, have been banned from Pitt’s campus.
Pitt Public Safety is still urging students to be vigilant following other recent suspicious activity. An email to students sent on Thursday detailed two incidents that had taken place this week. On Tuesday, two men exited a Honda sedan and ran after a female student. The next night, someone called the police and said they heard a cry for help on the 300 block of York Way. This was followed by an SUV quickly driving away.
On Thursday, Pitt Police sent out a crime alert describing an armed threat that occured at Parkview Manor Apartments. A man asked a maintenance worker to be let in the building. When his request was denied, the man flashed a gun in his waistband. He then fled.
"We have no reason to believe these three reported incidents are related, but investigations are still underway at this time," said Pitt spokesman Kevin Zwick in a statement.
Patrols were increased in Oakland due to the incidents.
Students have been advised not to walk alone at night. Students can request a ride through the campus SafeRider shuttle service by calling 412-648-CALL, or by using the QuickRide app.
*This story was updated at 3:18 p.m. on Friday, April 12.
