Deseret News | Bicycling groper on the loose at BYU

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Bicycling groper on the loose at BYU

John Charity Spring | 11:59 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

This sort of groping activity is outrageous. It is unfortunate that too many young men are growing up without being taught proper behavior, especially in regard to women. Too many are accpeting the message of modern society that immediate self-gratification is the only thing that matters, and the impact on others is not to be considered. There was a time in this Country when men did not treat women this way. Apparently, that time has passed.

It's just a matter of time! | 12:20 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Eventually this person will get caught. Ladies, be alert and attentive of everyone and everything around you; especially men approaching you either on a bike or walking. I'm not suggesting paranoia - just be cautious and observant. Secondly, spread the word about this guy, to all your female acquaintances on campus. And thirdly, when possible, don't be out and around on campus alone in the night hours. Even though it's BYU, and we may feel secure, there's no guarantee that we’ll be safe.

RE: John Charity Spring | 12:28 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

You make it sound like women were treated so much better in the past than in today's world. I'd argue women are treated with much more equality today than in years gone by.

Maybe respect overall has declined, but there will always be perverts who try to get their thrills by doing something like this. It has happened on every college campus and in most cities for decades.

At other colleges, these perverts go to the frat parties and dumb coeds come and get drunk and do many regretable things, only they can't remember who or what happened to report it to police. There might be parties like this at BYU, but fewer than at other schools. After all, BYU is the most sober U, right?

We can't say that women are treated worse today than in the past. Women today are far less oppressed in today's world.

Comments continue below

Joe | 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

What an embarrassment for the man who is groping these women. Is that the only way he can get attention from the ladies? I hope they catch him and charge him. Try getting a job with that showing up on your background check. So unnecessary and so uncalled for. What a shame.

Responsible | 12:59 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

There is no excuse for what this offender has done, but women today wear clothing that is tight, revealing and encourages an assault like this. I watched a news video clip the other day that was taken back in the 1960s and was amazed at how modest the clothing was compared to today's styles. Women have a responsibility also, to not encourage this type of behavior by dressing modestly.

Whiggy | 1:19 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

JCS is absolutely right and Responsible could not be more wrong. Indeed, Responsible's tactic of blaming this incident on the victims clearly proves JCS's point that general respect for women has clearly gone down over time. It is ridiculous to even claim that the women brought this on themselves. This crime was caused by one thing and one thing only: the perpetrator's complete lack of self control and complete unconcern for the feelings of others.

To: Responsible | 1:58 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Are you for real? There is an article about a sick man groping unsuspecting women and you blame the victims?

1. you don't know how these women were dressed.
2. it doesn't matter.

I understand you were trying to talk in generalized terms but the idea that victims are in any way to blame for an attack is offensive and dangerous.

2 responsible | 2:00 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Your attitude is exactly why the first victim was afraid to speak up, for fear people would think she was asking for it. I agree that in the world many women dress inappropriately, but not all. Sexual assaults are not about sex, but a power trip by the offender. Noticed it said he laughed. It wasn't for his gratification, but for her humiliation. You owe the victims as apology for assuming they were inappropriately dressed. Not that likely at BYU.

Dutch | 2:38 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I dont care if they were walkig around in swimsuits this type of behaviour is not justified

Ernest T. Bass | 2:47 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I guess the lesson we can all learn from this is to not send your children to BYU.

RE: Responsible | 3:06 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

"Responsible," I respect your ability to think and feel the way you do--for now--but you're actually talking about two largely separate issues. Issue #1 is modesty, where women respect their own bodies and don't make them into eye-catching objects on public display. Issue #2 is aggression, where some jerk decides he's going to do something objectionable to a woman just because he can.

If immodestly dressed women were always assaulted, and if no modestly dressed women were ever assaulted, you'd be spot on. But that's not what really happens. Modest dress is a virtue in its own right, and I agree it's the "right thing to do"--but dressing modestly does NOT prevent assault.

Criminology studies indicate that most sex assault perps target their victims because they want to dominate them--not because they're aroused by how they're dressed. Sex crime is much more about power than sexual desire.

So now you know!

Not New | 3:15 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Actually, this sort of incident is not really new at BYU--there are a few deviants every now and again who decide they're going to stalk the campus. When I was a BYU student in the late '80s, some creep was going around cutting holes in girls' clothing in the library while they slept. I don't know if he was ever caught. The University Police deal with incidents of aggressive sexual misbehavior on campus fairly regularly.

People are people--and some of them who have some very real problems tend to show up on campus in Provo, as they do everywhere else. BYU is a lot better than a number of other places, but it's not Utopia.

ignorance exposed | 3:34 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

E.T. BASS your comment displays your ignorance and bias you should hang your head in shame.

RE: 2 responsible | 4:21 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

You are simply wrong.

It always about sex,
and NEVER power.

That is an old feminist myth.

power is only employed to get what they want which is ultimatly some kind of sexual gratification.

To say otherwise is to deny the power of male sex-drive, and to underestimate it.

The ONLY other possible ultimate aim is attention, and NOT attention like "look at me" but attttention like "aren't I exually desirable?"

(it can eventually devolve into something much much worse

when constantly being denied recieving, or giving it, freely one may end may up resorting to taking it.)

ONe only needs to see PAST the HOWS to see the whys (wanting sex, wanting to be desired sexually,
wanting love or wanting to be loved are basic needs)

That is the true pyschology behind it.

NOT the feminist nonsense about power, power is just a tool or the ability to get what you want)

Ohhhh MY!....for.... | 5:47 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Mc-gross. I really dislike perverts. I hope they catch this rascal, either in class or out of class.

American Citizen | 7:35 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

An umbrella or walking stick is very useful for inserting into the wheel of a moving bicycle. Then this jerk will REALLY fall for you.

When he's on the ground, give him a dose of eu de pepper spray.

Better yet, walk with friends and call in to the cops any guy who matches the description. Even if it is not the guy, let the cops decide.

Anonymous | 8:19 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Walking stick... really those haven't been around for about 80 years. I know BYU is still stuck back in time maybe about 30 years, but they are not that far back from the real world.

Ernest T. Bass | 8:30 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

JC Spring: This type of behavior has always happened, it's nothing new.
And to my imposter: You are 100% correct, couldn't have said it better myself.

Explains the football team | 9:39 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Historically, BYU has had a problem with holding calls in football. This now explains it.

Historically | 10:07 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

This kind of thing increases the last weekend of Novemeber, whenever "king" Louie visits, when Turncoat Whit comes back and also when Hans does his "reporting" on BYU's campus

Anonymous | 10:17 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

It is about power, not sex. How do you otherwise explain object rape?

Anonymous | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

get real. if it was only for gratification, there wouldn't be violence involved. it is about power and humiliation. you are grossly naive if you think otherwise. there are "paid professionals" if someone is only seeking gratification. you're really stupid if you think rape is the same as a loving intimate relationship that is all about pleasure.

RE: Anonymous | 3:02 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

YOU can use all adjectives you want to attack another person but it is still NOT about power.

Are you a "paid" professional? I thought not.

The guy here WANTED to feel a womens breast, you know, cop a feel.

Although, I would say your verbally attacking another is about power.

2 Ernest T. Bass | 1:53 a.m. Aug. 14, 2009

Hey Ernest T. Bass -- "I guess the lesson we can all learn from this is to not send your children to BYU." -- Nice logic. I guess you shouldn't send your kids to any school then...unless you have found a Utopian school where nothing like this ever happens. Congratulations! Please...tell us where it is! You're logic makes no sense.

It's apparent you never found that school, because your logic shows an utter lack of education.

Here's a piece of advice..get an education and learn better logic. ---- Oh, but then you might have to attend a school where something like this might happen! Ignorant.

If you are going to bash BYU and Mormons please learn better logic. I see you on here all the time posting arguments that make very little sense...honestly...I would actually listen to them if they made sense. -- Apparently that is beyond you.

Unbelievable | 6:02 a.m. Aug. 14, 2009

To "RE: 2 responsible" (4:21 pm Aug. 12)and "RE: Anonymous" (3:02 pm Aug. 13) (obviously the same person):
Are you serious?!? "Cop a feel"? The guy was riding past in the opposite direction on a bicycle, for crying out loud! How much of a "feel" did the sicko "cop"?
While sexual titillation may have played a minor role here, the driving motivation was clearly not about sex. It sounds to me much more like the motivation was more involved with humiliating his targets, flaunting social mores, and demonstrating his "superiority". If you can't recognize that, I feel really sorry for you.

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