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JCSU president said alleged rape is very serious

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnson C. Smith University President Ronald Carter said even though the woman who was allegedly raped was not a student at the university, he still takes this very seriously.

"It has been reported to me that an employee allegedly assaulted a female who is not a student inside the construction trailer behind the Davis House," said Carter.

"This is always the nightmare of any president on a college or university campus that one of our students or someone walking nearby the campus has been assaulted," said Carter.

According to police, the assault happened around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

University officials said it appears the construction worker and the alleged victim knew each other, yet officials are still investigating how this could happen, involving a worker connected to the university. Every worker at the university is supposed to be screened.

"We have to be very careful and this is a case in point and it disturbs me greatly," said Carter.

Carter said when safety issues arise that they always notify the university community.

Police have not released the name of the man arrested.