By Corinne Murdock |
An unidentified man believed to be behind a string of back-to-back attempted kidnappings and sexual assault at the University of Arizona (UArizona) has yet to be apprehended.
So far, three female UArizona students have reported instances of being followed and/or attacked by the mystery man to police. The incidents occurred on Dec. 6, 7, and 11. The UArizona Police Department (UAPD) have partnered with the Tucson Police Department (TPD), Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD), FBI, and Marshal Service on the investigation.
In a press conference on Wednesday, TPD Assistant Chief Chris Dennison provided an update on their investigation. Although several victim reports indicate that one suspect was behind the attempted kidnappings and assault, Dennison didn’t rule out the possibility of multiple perpetrators.
Dennison confirmed that TPD is working with the victims to create a sketch of the suspect. Dennison explained that the FBI offered assistance with evidence processing and technology, OVPD has offered patrolling and augment resources, and the marshals offered surveillance assistance.
UAPD Chief Chris Olson said they were also partnering with safety aides and student community service officers to bolster its patrol presence. Olson recommended that students not walk alone, and to wear one instead of two headphones when walking to maintain situational awareness.
Olson further encouraged students to utilize UArizona’s SafeRide program, ridesharing services, the LiveSafe app, and, if necessary, a UAPD escort.
UArizona’s Counseling & Psych Services also offered itself as a resource, with survivor advocate Jess Glass Walsh speaking on behalf of the department. Walsh said that her department has assisted over 900 students in the last five years.
The first victim was followed at approximately 11 am last Wednesday, but not apprehended by the suspect near North Campbell Avenue and East 3rd Street.
The second victim was walking around 8th Street and Mountain Avenue last Thursday around 8 pm when the suspect jumped out of his car and grabbed her from behind. The suspect released the victim once she dropped to the ground and screamed. The suspect was described as wearing an orange fleece hoodie.
On Monday, the third victim reported that she was groped but not injured by the mystery man near East 7th Street and North Vine Avenue, just south of the UArizona campus. The man was wearing an orange shirt and jeans, but the victim didn’t notice a vehicle nearby.
UAPD described the suspect as a Hispanic-looking man with a close buzzcut around six feet tall and 30 to 40 years old. He reportedly drives a dark blue four-door hatchback or crossover vehicle with a dented front bumper, tinted windows, and an Arizona back license plate and no front license plate. The vehicle may be a Toyota Camry or Corolla.
UArizona officials warn students against walking alone, especially after dark, and have deployed additional patrolling officers to increase campus security. Law enforcement has also requested that members of the community register with TPD’s open camera registry to help track down the suspect.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
