Security footwork halts foot-fetish offender

By Sam Scavuzzo
Collegian Editor
February 13, 2008

In conjunction with Philadelphia Police, La Salle Security and Safety officials arrested a young, African American male last week for suspicious, foot-fetish-related activity outside the Connelly Library. Several security guards and police officers apprehended the individual who was wearing a grey sweatshirt and Phillies cap, for reportedly inquiring about women’s feet.

Frank Visco - The alleged perpetrator was apprehended by security Feb. 6.

Starting the previous week, the non-affiliated suspect, whose name has yet to be released by police, approached two women regarding their feet around campus.

In the library Feb. 1, a female faculty member reported that the suspect began talking to her about something on her shoe. He allegedly indicated that something was wrong, and that he would assist her in removing the shoe.

The faculty member—a nun, according to library employees—thought the incident suspicious and alerted security. From there, security officials developed a photo of the suspect from cameras within the library, according to Director of Security and Safety Art Grover.

This photo was distributed to security guards and employees of the library, among others. Library staff said security warned them to be wary of the figure returning and to report any suspicious activity.

Nothing was reported again until the following Tuesday, Feb. 5 when a female student sitting on a bench in the quad was approached by a man interested in her feet. The man admitted to admiring her sneakers, so much so that he reached out and touched them.

The student became upset and contacted security. After the student gave a description of the suspect, officials showed the student the surveillance photos. It was determined that the perpetrator was the same individual from before, and security officers around campus were told to be on guard against the individual.  

The following day, Feb. 6, Officer Bob Boikin noticed a suspicious character again outside the library and called in for back-up. An arrest was made on the individual.   

“This was good investigative and security work,” Grover said. “We are commending Officer Boikin for his excellent work and quick reactions.”   

In other security news:   

Grover, along with Vice President for Government Relations and Assistant to the President Ed Turzanski, met with newly-sworn-in Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey Feb. 8 to discuss safety in the area.   

The meeting, held at the University of Pennsylvania and attended by all university security directors city-wide, featured Ramsey laying out how the city is interested in working with university security more directly to keep the schools safer.   

Grover had a five-minute direct conversation with the commissioner, where he referred to security concerns at La Salle.   

“It was a very nice meeting,” Grover said. “I was impressed with Commissioner Ramsey and am excited to see what develops.”   

scavuzzos1@lasalle.edu