Note: You are receiving this message because federal law requires institutions of higher education to alert the campus community when certain crimes occur on or near certain campus property that presents a serious or ongoing threat. The intent is to provide information so individuals can take appropriate measures to best protect themselves. Notifications are based on when the university receives the report. More information is available here. 

Content Warning: This alert discusses sensitive information pertaining to sexual battery.

On Tuesday, July 29, around 1:24 pm, the University of Utah Police Department was notified of a reported sexual battery that occurred on a University of Utah campus shuttle bus at approximately 11 am. He was seen near East Village, the Union and in the Ft. Douglas area.

Suspect is a black male with dreadlocks wearing black pants, a bright blue jacket, a grey t-shirt, and was carrying 3 shopping bags. Suspect is described as 22-28 years old, 5’ 7”, 160 lbs. with a thin build.

Victim was subjected to unwanted touching multiple times on the shuttle bus.

Suspect left the campus shuttle around Ft. Douglas Blvd. and Pollock Road and headed north at approximately 11:20 am. University Police are actively searching for him.

Anyone with information should contact police at 801-585-2677 or 911 in case of emergency and reference case #: 25-2072.

Prevention and Safety Tips:

This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember:

• Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus.
• If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911.
• Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around.
• Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is safety in numbers.
• If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible.
• When at home please make sure all doors are locked and safety measures are put in place.

Support and Resources

• Additional support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app, and through the U’s Basic Needs Collective at https://basicneeds.utah.edu/.
• Counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus:
  • Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement: 801-581-7019, https://nativeexcellence.utah.edu/
  • Center for Disability and Access: 801-581-5020, info@disability.utah.edu
  • Center for Campus Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776
  • Dream Center: 801-213-3697
  • Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
  • Housing and Residential Education (available 24/7): 801-587-2000
  • Huntsman Mental Health Institute crisis line (available 24/7): 801-587-3000
  • Independent Review Committee: complaints about public safety personnel may be reported to the Independent Review Committee at irc@utah.edu
  • International Student and Scholar Services: 801-581-8876, international@utah.edu
  • MH-1: 385-321-5356
  • Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365
  • Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066
  • University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826
  • Veterans Support Center: 801-587-7722, vetcenter@sa.utah.edu