The Wichita State University community is encouraged that the arrest announced today may represent the first step toward a resolution of the tragic crime discovered in Fairmount Park last weekend.

Our thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones, who still face a long period of recovery.

We are grateful to the Wichita Police Department and everyone involved in this investigation. According to university records, the alleged perpetrator of the crime has never been a student or employee at WSU.

At a campus forum this week, students, faculty, staff and community residents shared ideas about safety.

University Police, WSU officials and Wichita Police take these ideas and the underlying safety concerns seriously and we will continue to cooperate on ways to increase police visibility and safety on campus and in adjacent neighborhoods.

Please immediately report crimes or suspicious activity to 911. There are also more than 20 emergency call boxes strategically located on campus and residence hall grounds that instantly connect to the University Police Department dispatcher.

People on campus who want a safety escort should call University Police at 978-3450.