The University of Arizona Police Department sent a Clery Timely Warning to the campus community warning of a sexual assault that took place off-campus Sunday, April 21.
On Sunday at 12:45 a.m., UAPD contacted a victim who stated that she entered a vehicle that she thought was her rideshare vehicle. Upon arriving at her designated location on Second Street and Vine Avenue, the driver tried to pursue physical contact with her, which escalated to unwanted touching over her clothes, according to the warning.
The victim said that when she entered her vehicle and asked the driver if he was her scheduled ride, he said that he was, even though he was not.
The suspect, who claimed to be her driver, picked the victim up in the area of Main Gate Square and drove her to her residence on Second Street and Vine Avenue. When he made advances, the victim was able to get out of the vehicle and run to a safe location.
According to the warning sent out at 3:46 p.m. Sunday, the suspect is described as a Middle Eastern male with a beard who did not speak English.
The sexual offense was described as fondling.
UAPD is actively investigating this case and, at this time, no suspects have been apprehended. They urge anyone with information about this crime, or any recent similar incidents, to contact UAPD at 520-621-8273.
If callers wish to remain anonymous, they should call 88-CRIME (520-882-7463).
Additionally, in the Clery Timely Warning, the UAPD said, “Safety is our top priority. UAPD and the Office of Public Safety remind people to never volunteer your name to rideshare drivers and ensure they have your information and are your scheduled ride before entering the vehicle.”
They also remind the community to avoid walking alone after dark, walk in well-lit areas, use alternate transportation such as the Parking & Transportation Services Night Cat, ASUA SafeRide, taxis or ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.
The email also contained the following safety tips and reminders from the UAPD:
- “Per Arizona law and University policy, consent is required by all parties to engage in sexual activity and may be revoked at any time.
- Sexual assault is never the fault of the survivor. It is the behavior of the perpetrator that is wrong.
- If you feel like you have been sexually abused or assaulted, it is recommended that you report it to law enforcement immediately.
- For more safety tips, download the LiveSafe App and refer to the Wildcat Safety Guide
- Using the appropriate rideshare app
- Verify the vehicle, license plate and name of the driver
- Do not volunteer your name until the driver mentions it
- Share your rideshare trip with friends so they can see that you arrive safely”
“If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, or if you are unsure whether you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, or if you find yourself in need of support due to the contents of this warning, there are a number of resources available to you to inform you of your options and to support you in whatever path you choose to take in addressing the incident,” said the UAPD, through the Clery Timely Warning.
Said resources include:
- If you have been sexually assaulted within the last 5 days, you have the right to a medical forensic exam. Contact Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault for a confidential consultation.
- For confidential on campus support contact Survivor Support Services
For additional on campus assistance contact The Office of Institutional Equity.
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