Police investigate reported sexual assault by 3 men inside downtown Athens nightclub

Athens-Clarke County police are investigating a reported sexual assault after a 20-year-old woman told officers three men raped her inside a downtown Athens nightclub on Halloween night.

According to an incident report obtained by Channel 2 Action News, the woman said the assault happened inside Duke’s and Dotties on East Broad Street.

The woman, who is not a University of Georgia student, told investigators that a man wearing a Joker costume approached her and offered her a drink.

After she declined, the woman told police the man grabbed her and forced her into a restroom, where two other men were waiting.

According to the police report, the woman said the three men took turns sexually assaulting her. She also reported that her purse and iPhone were stolen.

A friend later drove the woman to a hospital, where staff contacted police.

UGA students who spoke with Channel 2’s Tom Regan said they were disturbed by the allegations.

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“It’s awful. It’s terrible, and my thoughts are just with her,” one student said.

Student Sammy Gary said the allegations are especially concerning for people who spend time downtown.

“It’s terrible, and I’ve heard of things like that happening at Duke’s before,” Gary said.

Parents of current and former UGA students also expressed concerns about safety.

“All parents with kids here, they worry about their safety,” said Jane Peterson, a UGA graduate. “And they worry about where they are going and who they are with.”

Natalie Crawford, the parent of a UGA student, said the allegations were frightening.

“It’s really scary, obviously,” Crawford said. “It could happen to anybody.”

Police have not publicly identified any suspects.

Regan observed several surveillance cameras outside the club. Investigators are expected to examine available video as they work to determine what happened and identify the men described by the woman.

Channel 2 Action News called a phone number listed online for Duke’s and Dotties but had not received a response.