We’re so back, Wildcats! As we kick off the academic year, expect to see long lines at the gym, free swag on the Mall, and, of course, a warm welcome to the record-breaking 9,300 incoming students. If you’re new here, this edition and future editions of Police Beat will keep you informed on the notable crimes that the University of Arizona Police Department responds to amidst the hustle of classes and club fairs. Stay tuned, stay safe, stay informed of campus safety procedures– and as always, Bear Down! 

Man arrested for threats against the College of Science 

On Aug. 23, the University of Arizona Police Department was contacted by College of Science staff regarding a threat against the dean. 

A female staff member reported that a man left a voicemail in which the suspect, later identified as non-UA affiliated Juan Rene Montoya, implied he intended to harm the dean.

According to UAPD case reports, Montoya stated “with much profanity and paranoia” that he believed the “Scientology department” was going to kill him with virtual reality. He warned that if the department didn’t “turn it off,” he would come to campus and find the dean that afternoon.

UAPD officers secured the Gould-Simpson building until Montoya could be located. The investigation revealed that Montoya had a history of mental health issues and had made threats toward a U.S. Senator earlier this year. 

In collaboration with the FBI, UAPD located Montoya at the Days Inn, where he was taken into custody for disruption of an educational institution. He was booked into Pima County Jail, issued an exclusionary order and the Threat Assessment and Management Team was notified.

Female student followed, grabbed 

On Aug. 29 at 1:19 p.m., UAPD received a report from a female student who said she had been grabbed by a male near East Second Street and North Park Avenue. 

The student described the suspect as a white male in his late 20s or early 30s, wearing a black shirt, blue sunglasses, with crooked yellow teeth and carrying a black backpack.

The case report stated that the suspect walked southbound on Park Avenue, following the victim while attempting small talk. He showed and offered her a “blunt” as she continued to walk. The suspect then grabbed her by the backpack and pulled her to a stop. The student reportedly yelled “Don’t touch me” and the suspect let go, allowing her to run to safety. 

UAPD officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The case has been forwarded to detectives and cameras in the area were noted during the incident.

Disorderly conduct in Main Library

On Aug 27 at 12:13 a.m., UAPD officers responded to a report of a male rolling around in the area and clawing at the walls. 

UAPD officers made contact with the man, who was wearing black pants, no shirt and no shoes. He refused to speak with the officers but requested medical attention. 

According to the case report, the man began to leave the scene before receiving medical attention but stopped suddenly, pulled his pants down to his ankles and exposed his genitals. Officers attempted to detain the man, who began to resist. He was placed in handcuffs and brought back to a patrol vehicle, where he continued to resist. 

Charges for disorderly conduct and indecent exposure were filed, and an exclusionary order was issued.

Reckless driver flees police, damages city utilities

On Aug. 24 at approximately 12:45 a.m., a female reported to UAPD dispatch that a male in a black SUV was verbally harassing her in the area of Second Street and Park Avenue. 

Simultaneously, an officer observed the SUV in what appeared to be a possible road rage incident. According to the case report, the officer got behind the SUV, but when the driver saw the officer, he attempted to flee.

During the pursuit, the driver hit another vehicle, a fire hydrant, a light pole and a stop sign. Officers eventually discontinued the pursuit, and the vehicle fled east on Sixth Street and Tyndall Avenue. 

Due to the damage caused by the driver, water from the fire hydrant flooded the area from the and the damaged light pole had wires exposed near the gushing water. The scene was secured shortly after by Tucson’s Fire, Water, Electric and Transportation departments, which capped the exposed wires and shut off the water.

Hours later, the Tucson Police Department received a call regarding a damaged abandoned vehicle at Park Avenue and 13th Street that matched the description of the vehicle that fled from UAPD officers. A witness recalled seeing two males exit the vehicle and leave the area. 

UAPD notified detectives and assisted in collecting evidence for additional investigation.

Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X