
Updated Sept. 10, 7:37 p.m.
A man followed a female student into City Hall’s stairwell and allegedly attempted to sexually assault her at about 1:10 p.m. Saturday.
The suspect, a black male with light brown hair in his mid-20s, began talking to the female student after he trailed into a stairwell behind her, according to a Safety and Security Alert. He tried to forcefully sexually assault her after reaching the second floor.
“The female student fought him off and screamed causing him to flee the area,” the alert said. The suspect was wearing a navy blue polo and jeans.
According to the alert, the student reported to the University Police Department that she did not know the suspect. UPD Chief Kevin Hay said UPD and the Metropolitan Police Department are “actively pursuing leads of the suspect.” Security cameras captured images of the suspect that officers have reviewed.
Hay said extra UPD officers are patrolling campus this weekend, adding an officer is stationed in City Hall’s lobby, while MPD has also ramped up its on-campus presence.
“Based on closed-circuit television images, we have determined that the suspect entered City Hall by following, or piggy-backing, a resident as they entered the building,” Hay said. “We encourage students to remain vigilant about their surroundings and do not let anyone they do not know follow them into the buildings.”
He added that the University Counseling Center is available as a resource for any individual affected by the situation.