Date Rape Drug Cases Near DU Campus Prompt Warning By Police

DENVER (CBS4) - Police on the University of Denver campus issued a warning this week for students about some recent incidents involving the date rape drug.

Women have reportedly been given date rape drugs in bars around the campus. Those bars are popular hot spots in the neighborhood and not just for students.

Two women told police they went out for the evening last weekend and got separated. At some point they blacked out and then woke up in a campus building the next day. They did not believe they had been assaulted because they woke up clothed.

Police said there is no indication they had been binge drinking.

Campus police said a third case was reported to them from police in Denver at a bar south of the DU campus. That case was what prompted the alert.

Students said the information is troubling.

"It definitely bothers me because it's a set of morals among guys, a code, 'You respect women,'" said DU student Kevin Jurado.

Sarah Caulkins is a junior at DU. She said she's vigilant because she knows a handful of women who have been drugged before.

"There are bad people in this world and you need to watch your drinks and take care of yourself," said Caulkins. "I think it's a lot more common than people know."

DU's Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Empowerment said alcohol is the number one date rape drug nationwide and perpetrators usually try to isolate their victims.

"That is someone is very intoxicated the perpetrator is usually the first one to step in and pretend to be the helper. So the more friends can stick together and look out for each other that can help reduce risk," said DU Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Empowerment spokeswoman Gillian Kaag.

Additional Resources

Authorities released the following five tips for avoiding date rape drugs, which they said are mostly "odorless, colorless and tasteless when mixed with a beverage."

1. Never accept a drink from someone you don't know and trust, even if they bring it to you at a bar.
2. Don't leave your drink unattended and order a fresh drink if you do.
3. If you begin to feel faint, get to a safe place and call 9-1-1.
4. Party with friends; never leave a friend alone at a party. Remember there is safety in numbers.
5. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a situation, leave immediately.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to contact Denver police at (720) 913-2000.