TUCSON, AZ – The tranquility of the University of Arizona campus has been shattered by a string of disturbing incidents. Three female students have reported being stalked, groped, and nearly kidnapped within close proximity of each other in the past week, Tucson police have revealed.
The suspect, who remains at large, is described as a burly Hispanic man with a dark complexion and short, buzz-cut hair. He stands between 5-feet, 10-inches to 6-feet tall and was last seen clad in an orange shirt and jeans.
The most recent of these incidents took place late Monday night. A woman was accosted from behind, with the assailant groping her over her clothes. The victim managed to evade further harm by dropping to the ground and raising an alarm, causing the suspect to flee the scene, according to Assistant Police Chief Christopher Dennison.
Before this alarming encounter, two other women reported being pursued by a man driving a dark-colored vehicle, possibly an early 2000s Toyota Camry or Corolla. The car was distinctive, with a dented front bumper, tinted windows, and a weathered Arizona license plate.
Both women reported being accosted from behind by the same man on December 6 and 7. He fled the scene when they screamed. All incidents took place within a mile radius of the University of Arizona campus, and fortunately, none of the victims were physically injured.
University officials have responded to these incidents by bolstering security on campus. “UAPD is enhancing its patrol capabilities to provide a higher level of visibility and engagement,” announced University of Arizona Police Department Police Chief Chris Olson.
Assistant Police Chief Dennison is urging the public to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities. The investigation is being supported by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, University of Arizona Police Department, and Oro Valley Police Department.