Baltimore Police Arrest Suspect in Campus Attempted Assault Case
On October 18, 2025, the Office of Homewood Public Safety at Johns Hopkins University alerted the campus community about an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Decker Quad. An unknown man, estimated to be around 30 years old, approached a female student under the pretense of asking for directions before he assaulted her, attempting to remove her clothing. This incident prompted an immediate investigation by the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) in cooperation with the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) and campus safety officials.
Following the reports of the assault, students expressed deep concern for their safety on campus. Sophomore Reshmita Nayudu shared her apprehensions in an email to The News-Letter. “I think it’s incredibly frightening as a woman on campus because my safety is no longer guaranteed,” Nayudu stated. “How can parents feel comfortable sending their kids here if their safety isn’t a given on campus?”
In response to the incident, members of the Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU) communicated their fears that the university has not adequately addressed previous sexual assault incidents. A SARU spokesperson noted, “Students have been worried about crime outside campus grounds, but very near campus/off-campus housing. Since the summer, there have been increased reports of groping/inappropriate touching that have caused students to feel unsafe.”
On October 19, JHPD Chief Branville G. Bard sent an email to the university community, providing updates on the investigation. Bard stated that security footage was shared with the BPD following the incident, leading to the identification of a person of interest. Increased patrols from Public Safety, the JHPD, BPD, and Allied Universal officers were announced to enhance security on campus during nighttime hours.
Concerns regarding the effectiveness of security measures were voiced by SARU, particularly regarding the conduct of Allied Universal officers. A SARU spokesperson expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “At our meeting, there were many first and second-hand reports of students being catcalled by Allied Universal security officers.” This sentiment reflects a broader unease among students regarding their safety and the responsiveness of security personnel.
On October 22, officials from the BPD and JHPD held a press briefing where they announced the arrest of Raymond Willis Lunn, a registered sex offender with a significant criminal history, including previous convictions for assault and attempted rape. BPD Colonel John Herzog confirmed that Lunn had been apprehended following an anonymous tip. “He’s a repeat violent offender, who has served multiple prison sentences,” Herzog noted, adding that investigators are examining any potential connections to other sexual assaults in the area.
The investigation revealed that Lunn’s criminal background included charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and burglary, raising concerns about his history and activities in proximity to the university campus.
After the briefing, Chief Bard emphasized the commitment of the JHPD to ensuring campus safety, stating, “I want to emphasize that we’ll continue to use every available resource at our disposal to deal with anyone who intends to commit a crime on or near our campus.”
In light of this incident, SARU recommended that the university enhance nighttime lighting across campus to improve safety. “All of the quads are dark at night, and making them brighter would increase safety,” they suggested. SARU also highlighted the need for ongoing support for sexual violence victims beyond media coverage, stressing that many incidents remain unreported and unaddressed.
The university has made resources available for students, including mental health support and sexual assault crisis assistance. These include confidential support services, the 24-hour Sexual Assault Help Line at (410) 516-7333, and the LiveSafe app for communication with Public Safety officers. In emergencies, students are reminded to call 911, while non-emergencies can be reported to Public Safety at (677) 208-1200.
As the campus community processes this unsettling event, the focus remains on ensuring safety and providing support for those affected by sexual violence.
