Police Investigate Attack On 2 High School Students At FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Police are investigating an attack on two high school students in a remote part of Florida International University's Biscayne Bay Campus.

Police say the students were assaulted at around 10 a.m. on Monday by a male suspect when they were walking on a trail that is often used by students and residents in an isolated part of campus.

The students, who attend Mast Academy High School, were at the university for a study group.

They were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with serious injuries.

Students on campus told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that they were alarmed.

"It was horrible," said F.I.U. Student Tina Rivera. "It makes me feel scared. I hope the culprit will be caught."

"It's heartbreaking," said F.I.U. Student Cynthia Noel. "For something to happen like that."

M.A.S.T. Student Zeeky Klenicki said "I am very sad. I can't believe that this happened. I know of the students who was attacked. I feel very scared and unsafe."

The mother of one victim—-16-year-old James Critz—-told D'Oench that her son needed an M.R.I Tuesday and had a fractured skull and spine. She said she hoped the suspect would be caught.

Those sentiments are shared by the mother of 15-year-old Isabela Perdomo, who was also rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital in critical condition. The hospital said her condition had stabilized by Tuesday morning.

"This is a safe campus and police are conducting a full investigation. Obviously, we want to get to the bottom of this," FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said.
"They are going to get to the bottom of this, so it never happens again. There are a lot of details we are trying to put together now."

Rosenberg said, "We are very concerned about what happened. This happened in a remote part of the campus but that does not lessen the importance of what happened."

Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent said the incident happened on a day when there were no classes and most students were not on campus and he had a warning. Carvalho said "We are asking students after hours not to venture in to park areas alone and if they do to go together in small groups and advise their teachers who can supervise the outings."

"This area is known for its safety and is a great environment," he said. "I am saddened by the incident and this is disturbing. I am appealing to the community if they know anything about the alleged assailant to please come forward and call 305 995-COPS."

FIU Police Chief Alexander D. Casas said they don't have a lot of info and can't elaborate.

Campus patrols have increased since the incident was reported.

Authorities are asking students and staff to stay vigilant.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477 or (305) 471-TIPS.