A night that began with a chance meeting near campus has led to serious criminal charges against a University of Arkansas student, according to investigators.
Crew Kvern, 19, was arrested April 12 in Washington County and faces charges including rape, aggravated assault, and third-degree battery, according to jail records, per Fox News.
Authorities say the case stems from an encounter on March 17, when Kvern and the alleged victim first met near his workplace on Dickson Street.
From there, the two went to the Kappa Sigma fraternity house at the University of Arkansas, where Kvern was living at the time, according to investigators.
Once inside the residence, authorities allege the situation escalated.
According to an affidavit, Kvern demanded sex from the woman, and when she refused, he allegedly became violent.
Investigators say the victim reported being slapped and punched before the alleged assault occurred.
She also told authorities that Kvern repeatedly put his hands around her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe.
The woman further alleged she felt intimidated after he punched a door and told her “it would be easy for him to throw her to the floor and break her rib cage,” according to reports.
Days later, on March 20, Kvern was interviewed by university police.
During that interview, he reportedly described the encounter as “totally consensual.”
As part of the investigation, authorities interviewed six individuals whose statements were said to support the victim’s account, according to an affidavit.
Additional allegations surfaced in a crime log tied to the case, including claims of terroristic threatening and false imprisonment.
The incident has drawn attention as one of several reported sexual assault cases connected to campus residences during the current academic year, according to local reports.
Kvern was released from custody on a $100,000 bond one day after his arrest. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 6.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors move forward with the charges.
