UPDATE
The University of Arizona Police Department a man suspected in indecent-exposure incidents around campus the last three weeks.
The male suspect, who is not affiliated with the university, was arrested early Friday morning after a report the previous day of an incident involving a male exposing himself to a female near First Street and Mountain Avenue, after driving up to ask for directions.
As a result of the victim calling 911 after the incident with their information, campus police were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle and a potential suspect. The man was questioned and ultimately admitted to the incident before being arrested.
The man is considered an investigative lead in the other cases of indecent exposure around campus. The suspect’s name is not being released at this point in time. Anyone with information regarding similar incidents on campus is asked to call 911, UAPD at 520-621-8273 or the UAPD tip line at 520-621-8477.
UAPD is investigating four separate reports involving indecent exposure on the UA campus within the last three weeks.
The department said in a Clery Timely Warning Notice email sent to all students that the department responded on Sept. 19 to two reports of a man who was exposing himself from a vehicle near Centennial Hall, as well as on First Street and Mountain Avenue.
During the investigation of these incidents, UAPD was also made aware of two separate, unreported incidents, taking place Sept. 1 near Arizona Stadium as well as Sept. 13 near Sixth Street and Highland Avenue. All four incidents happened under similar circumstances, except the times of day.
The reports identified the perpetrator as a Caucasian or Hispanic male in his early 20’s or 30’s with a white or silver four-door sedan asking women for directions, following by exposing his penis. No threats of violence were reported by witnesses.
One of the witnesses, a female student at UA, has dealt with incidents like this on campus in the past and is worried about the steps taken to solve them.
“It worries me that these things happen on- or off-campus,” she said. “I believe many of them go unreported. I don’t think it changes completely how I do things, but you definitely become more alert.”
She said she worries that sometimes the victims might feel helpless and blame themselves when this happens.
“Everyone has different ways of dealing with shock and trauma,” she said. “It isn’t something you can just easily joke with.”
UAPD advises students to be aware of their surroundings and to call police immediately if any incidents occur. Mental notes such as race, age, sex, height, weight or vehicle can all be of assistance to campus police.
The witness said that these incidents can happen quickly, however, and that safety should be your top priority.
“Your mind can blank out suddenly on important details,” she said. “You may not remember a license plate or other factors. You just prioritize your safety first.”
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