UPD Seeks Information for Rape Investigation

The University Police Department released today a composite sketch of a possible assailant in a rape by an acquaintance that reportedly occurred in an outdoor area between Sunset Hall and the Jolly Giant Commons at about 3:00 AM on Sunday morning, 05/11/08.

UPD’s Crime Alert seeks information from anyone who might have seen or heard anything unusual in that area on Sunday morning, and any information regarding the identity and location of the man depicted in the sketch.

The possible suspect is described as a slender white male in his early 20’s with brown “dreadlock” hair to his shoulders and baggy clothing, about 5’9” tall, weighing about 150-160 pounds.

The survivor, who did not suffer any serious physical injury, first reported the incident to authorities on Monday afternoon. She said that she had been at the smokers’ gazebo between Sunset and Redwood Halls early on Sunday morning when the man approached her and engaged her in conversation. They continued talking as the two of them walked from the gazebo towards the Jolly Giant Commons.

"The survivor has had past off-campus social interactions with the alleged perpetrator, but she does not know his complete name, where he lives, or if he is a student or not."

She described to UPD investigators acts of sexual assault perpetrated against her will in the outdoor area between Sunset Hall and the Jolly Giant Commons. No weapons were known to be involved.

University police are treating the report seriously and are actively following up on the case.

Late on Monday and into Tuesday morning, UPD staff worked on overtime looking into one particular person of interest, but by about mid-day today, the investigators and survivor were unable to conclusively determine whether or not that person was in fact the perpetrator of the reported crime.

"Once we had run out that lead as far as we could, we released the Crime Alert."

"We try to get public information about a possible threat to public safety as soon as we can without jeopardizing the viability of the investigation."

"We found the person of interest, interviewed him, and we are continuing to work the case."

"What we need now is a tip about this man’s identity or a witness statement from the public about what happened up there at 3:00 AM Sunday morning."

The survivor has been connected with a variety of support services including on-campus Health and Counseling, and the North Coast Rape Crisis Team.

Paper copies of the crime alert have been posted around the campus on Tuesday, and it is also available for download.

Sketch of the Suspect

A flyer is available for print. You will need to have downloaded and installed Adobe Acrobat Reader.