On January 27 at approximately 4:15 a.m., a domestic violence incident was reported to have occurred in the vicinity of the SXU Komensky apartments.
According to Jack Touhy, Chief of Police and Director of the Public Safety Department, a student reported a woman screaming to the SXU Police Dispatch around this time.
Soon after, Touhy heard that multiple Oak Lawn units were being sent to the location as a response to several calls for a “person with a knife.”
The SXU Police assisted the Oak Lawn Police, who had jurisdiction over the investigation, upon arriving at the apartments.
One SXU student, who resides at one of the Komensky apartments and wishes to remain anonymous, came into personal contact with a person involved in the incident.
“Around 4:00 a.m., I heard a woman screaming. I opened my door to see if I could help, or if [someone] needed an ambulance, and some guy was staring at me, covered in blood and holding a huge knife,” the tenant explained.
“I slammed the door and called the police.”
According to the tenant, The Oak Lawn Police Department arrived immediately with almost 10 police cars.
“After a few hours of dealing with the guy, his wife, his kids, the cops came upstairs and asked what I saw,” the tenant said.
“I don’t know the whole story, but from what [the police] explained,” the wife stabbed the husband with the knife.
She had head injuries and bruises, but everyone is alright.”
Although the police have not confirmed the stabbing, Chief Police Touhy commented on student response to the situation.
“The students did the smart thing by remaining in their apartments, calling the police and letting the police handle the situation.”
With the SXU Lawndale apartment contracts recently being closed due to safety concerns, it is a wonder whether or not the university will take similar action regarding the Komensky apartments.
When asked how the university is responding to the incident, Police Chief Touhy explained that the university is still reviewing the incident.
“With any incident that takes place on or off campus, be it an underage drinking violation, a theft, or an act of violence, the university has protocols in place to share information across the many departments, such as Public Safety, Student Affairs, Campus Life, Residence Life, Counseling Services, and the Dean of Students.
That said, incidents are reviewed to gauge what, and if, anything can be done to increase safety, and/or offers of services to our university community.
Eileen Doherty, Dean of Students, also added that Student Affairs staff followed up with the students, and that a meeting involving the Komensky residents, Public Safety, Residence Life, and the Dean of Students Office was also scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 5 to review the incident and discuss any concerns.
“I cannot stress enough to students, faculty, and staff, when in doubt call the police,” Touhy stated.
“The Komensky case was a perfect example of how to handle a situation. The students in this case felt something was not right and called the police. I would rather send our officers out on a call that turns out to be nothing then have someone hesitate calling the police and putting themselves in further harm.”
Touhy advised students to be concerned with their safety. “Please be aware of your surroundings. The university is a great place and crime in general is low, but we don’t live in a bubble. Watch out for each other, and when you see something or someone that does not seem to fit or belong in an area, call 3911 when on campus.”
Touhy also stressed the importance of reaching out in times of uncertainty. “Whether it is witnessing acts of domestic violence as in this case or concerns you have for yourself or a fellow student, please feel comfortable to reach out to any other the departments here at the university. There are so many avenues for help and assistance, so no one should feel isolated. We are all here to help make [SXU] a better place… safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Nicole Rosales
Senior News Editor