UFPD obtains warrant for arrest of suspect in sexual battery case

December 23, 2011

See UPD Bulletin #11-094

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The suspect in the November sexual battery of a University of Florida student has been positively identified as 25-year-old Tommie Howard III, of Hawthorne, Fla.

The University of Florida Police Department obtained a warrant for his arrest late Thursday night, and law enforcement is continuing the search for him.

An extensive criminal investigation ensued after the UF student reported being sexually battered at an undetermined location in west Gainesville. UFPD became involved in this case following the victim’s escape from her assailant in the area of Fraternity Row and West Fraternity Row. Through the combined efforts of UFPD, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tommie Howard III was identified as the suspect in this case.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Howard is asked to contact UFPD at 352-392-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP. Those who provide a tip that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a monetary award.

For questions regarding information contained in this release, please contact Sgt. Kristy Maculan at 352-273-3300. If after hours, please call 352-392-1111 and ask to speak to a patrol supervisor. Maculan can also be reached via e-mail at kmaculan@ufl.edu.