UPDATE 3/14/13 4:45 PM: School spokesman Mark Williamson says early word is that the reported incident involves three students, and does not involve any teachers or staff.
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Very little is known about an alleged sexual assault of an Akron Public Schools student.
But we do know that the reported incidents, which were brought to police and the district's attention by Akron Children's Hospital on Wednesday, apparently didn't happen on school property.
"From what I understand early on, this did not happen on school grounds. This was not in a building, it was not on the property of the school system," district spokesman Mark Williamson tells AkronNewsNow.com. "However, that doesn't mean it's not a concern of ours. If students are involved, then we're always concerned."
And Williamson said school superintendent David James had strong words if these allegations bear fruit.
"If this is true, this is truly reprehensible," Williamson says. "This is not the kind of thing that we want happening with our students."
Akron police and the district are looking into the allegations, and are helping the alleged victim.
Williamson says it's still very early in the process, and officials are not saying much more out of caution...as information is still being gathered.
"Get to the truth," Williamson says. "We need to get to the truth to find out exactly what did happen."
There's no word yet what school the victim attends, or of their age or gender.
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(Earlier ANN coverage) The city of Akron and the Akron Public Schools are looking into alleged sexual assaults of a young victim.
The city says Akron police detectives were notified of reported incidents by authorities at Akron Children's Hospital on Wednesday, and police and the district are investigating.
A city statement says police are also working with the victim's family to make sure their needs are being addressed.
The statement does not give the victim's age or gender, and does not name which school may be involved.
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City of Akron and APS Investigating Incidents
Juvenile Believed to be Victim of Sexual Assault
Akron, Ohio (March 14, 2013) - Mayor Don Plusquellic and Akron Public School Superintendent David James became aware today of incidents that involve a juvenile victim of alleged sexual assaults. Yesterday, police detectives were notified by authorities at Akron Children’s Hospital of the incidents involving the juvenile victim, and the detectives responded immediately. Police and APS personnel are actively investigating the incidents: statements are being gathered, evidence is being collected, and any videotapes reviewed. The police are also working with the victim’s family to make sure the victim’s needs are being addressed.
“We are taking these allegations seriously and want to protect the victim. We will do everything we can to find out what happened and take appropriate action after a thorough and complete investigation,” said Mayor Don Plusquellic.
“We still have very few confirmed facts, but I want to assure everyone that our staff is working---right now---with Akron police to get to the bottom of this. If the allegations are true, my heart goes out to the victim and the victim's family. This is truly reprehensible behavior," said Akron Public School Superintendent David W. James.
