A man who stabbed a Clark College employee in the neck Tuesday afternoon on the main campus remains at large, according to the school and Vancouver Police Department.
The victim suffered injuries that weren’t life-threatening, and she was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the school and police said. The incident prompted an hourlong lockdown at the campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.
The assailant reportedly fled campus after stabbing the woman, who was sitting outside the campus’ Archer Gallery building about 4:25 p.m.
“Though the injury was not life-threatening, the incident was highly alarming,” Clark College President Karin Edwards said in a letter sent to students and staff Wednesday. “Most importantly, I am happy to report that our colleague is home, resting, and was in good spirits when we talked last night.”
The victim told police that just before the stabbing, the man approached her and began yelling and asking for help. She then thought he punched her, but she saw blood and realized he stabbed her, according to a Wednesday police news release.
Police spokeswoman Kim Kapp said Wednesday the assailant ran north toward Water Works Park, but officers could not locate him.
Surveillance cameras captured the man, who’s described as East Asian or Middle Eastern, 30 to 40 years old, with a medium build, dark hair and a beard, police said.
Police learned of another incident from Monday in which a man, who matched the stabbing suspect’s description, approached a woman sitting inside her car in one of the college’s parking lots. When the woman opened her driver’s door, the man pulled on the door and tried to get inside her vehicle. She screamed, and he ran off. The incident was reported to campus security, who followed up with police, according to the news release.
The school encouraged students to sign up for its campus alert system RAVE by texting “Guardian” to 67283 for in-the-moment emergency updates. Campus security can also be reached at 360-992-2133.
Police encouraged people to be vigilant when in areas where you may be isolated or alone and to report suspicious activity to 911.
Vancouver police’s major crimes unit is still investigating. Anyone who may know the identity of the suspect should contact Detective Dustin Goudschaal at dustin.goudschaal@cityofvancouver.us or Detective Max Musich at michael.musich@cityofvancouver.us.
