Errol Allen, one of Harvard's out-sourced security guards, has been accused of assault by one of the students he was meant to protect, officials with the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) confirmed this weekend.

On March 23, two days before spring break, in 20 DeWolfe St., the guard approached the Quincy House student in the laundry room, around the corner from the guard station, according to police sources and building residents with knowledge of the incident.

According to some residents, Allen, formerly a guard for Security Systems Inc. (SSI), allegedly tried to grope her during the encounter and grabbed her violently by the shoulders.

The woman filed a report of the incident on April 4.

Although he was reassigned immediately after police received the report, University officials still felt it necessary to notify DeWolfe residents.

"The security guard for 20 DeWolfe has been reassigned," tutor Anupa Bir wrote in an e-mail message last week. "He should no longer be seen around our building."

Building residents said the attack seemed out of character for Allen.

"He was friendlier than most of the guards," one student commented.