University of Florida News

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Police Department has released a composite sketch of the suspect involved in the sexual battery incident that occurred on campus early Tuesday morning. The sketch was developed with information provided by the witness who assisted the victim.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall. He has a thin build and at the time of the incident was wearing a close trimmed beard that covered his chin and jaw line. He was last seen wearing an unadorned, baggy, red T-shirt; baggy, blue denim shorts; and a light-olored baseball cap.

At about 2:13 a.m. Tuesday, UFPD dispatch received a call from a person who reportedly picked up a female UF student 30 minutes earlier, who was running from an unknown black male subject in the area of Fraternity Row and West Fraternity Row. The male briefly gave chase of the reporting person’s car, prior to leaving the area on foot. The reporting person drove the student to Shands at UF medical center emergency room after the victim told her she was sexually battered by the male who was chasing her.

During an interview with UFPD detectives, the victim stated she accepted a ride from an unknown male after leaving 101 Cantina in the midtown area. She further stated that once she got into the suspect’s car, he sexually battered her at an unknown location between 101 Cantina and the Fraternity Row area of campus. After she was sexually battered, the victim reported that she fled from the suspect’s car.

Anyone with information about the incident or who may know the man’s identity is asked to call UFPD at 352-392-1111. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 372-STOP (7867).

The UFPD would also like to remind everyone of these basic safety considerations:

• Avoid walking alone. On campus, use the Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP). Request a SNAP escort online at http://www.snap.ufl.edu, via telephone at 392-7627 (SNAP), or through the SNAP app. SNAP operates from 6:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. nightly.
• Stay in well-lighted areas away from alleys, bushes, and entryways.
• Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
• If a driver stops to ask directions, avoid getting close to the car.
• If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction. You should go to a public location and get assistance. Also be sure to call police.
• Do not hitchhike and only accept rides from people you know well.
• Always be alert and aware. If someone bothers you, do not be embarrassed to attract attention to yourself. Yell!
• Always try to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Credits

Contact

Brad Barber, wbarber@ufl.edu, 352-273-3309