SEATTLE — A University of Washington fraternity is defending its members, as police investigate allegations of women being drugged during or after one of their parties.
KIRO 7 found signs of partying all over Greek Row and in front of Pi Kappa Alpha.
Red cups and beer cans were strewn about several yards.
Police are investigating whether women were drugged at a party here Friday morning.
We went straight to the members for their side.
President Michael Beleson read a statement.
‘The Beta Beta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha is aware of an incident that occurred after a registered fraternity party the morning of January 16, 2015 at 1:24am. The undergraduate chapter, alumni volunteers, and the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity headquarters are cooperating fully with the investigation. We find the alleged acts reprehensible, and will work with the authorities so they can pursue the responsible individual.’
A UW student at the party claims she felt 'coerced into accepting a ride’ home from a man -- who was also at the party.
When she was inside his vehicle, he allegedly offered her a drink in a red cup.
She then felt strange, ‘no longer in control of her body,’ according to campus police.
She said the man drove to a parking lot and tried to rape her.
She managed to get away but did not provide a suspect description.
The alleged victim declined further assistance from police or medical assistance.
Police say three other women said they were also at the same fraternity party -- and they too felt their drinks had been spiked.
Asked if the suspect is a member or simply a guest at the party, Beleson first replied, "No comment."
But after our interview, Beleson consulted with his chapter’s advisor inside and returned with information.
"We have not identified a suspect yet, but after preliminary investigations, indications lead to it not being a member of our chapter," he said.
Beleson would not go into detail about how they know it wasn’t one of their members.
"We have a really safe campus. This is the first I've heard of this happening here," said freshman Caitlin McIlwain.
She says Pi Kappa Alpha is known as the gentleman's fraternity.
"Those kinds of things happen all the time, and it's entirely possible that it wasn't someone in that fraternity," said McIlwain.
We found a sign across the street from Pi Kappa Alpha with the words “end rape” on it.
We asked McIlwain if more education is needed on campus.
"If anything it's just people being more careful and looking out for their friends," she said.
KIRO 7 called UW police for an update on the investigation, and will update this story with new information as it comes in.
If you were a witness or have information regarding this crime or suspect, the University of Washington Police Department asks that you call them -- at (206) 543-9331.
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