Timely Warning

The following information was reported to the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) and is being distributed to the campus community due to the crime’s close proximity to the University of Florida campus:

The GPD is currently investigating an attempted abduction that took place early Thursday morning, June 9, 2016 at approximately 12:30am outside of the 101 Cantina located at 1632 West University Avenue. This location is just north of campus across the street from Keen-Flint Hall. According to information provided by the GPD, the victim indicated that she was leaving 101 Cantina from the rear entrance when she was suddenly grabbed by an unknown male. The suspect began pulling her away from the establishment and into a darkened area nearby. The victim then struggled with the suspect, eventually broke free from him, and ran back into the establishment where she met with a friend and left the area. The victim later reported the incident to GPD at approximately 3:00am. The GPD will release any further information pertaining to this incident.

The victim was not able to provide any description of the suspect other than his gender. Anyone with information about the incident or who may know the suspects’ identity is asked to call the Gainesville Police Department at 352.955.1818 or text keyword GPDFL plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 352.372.STOP (7867).

The UFPD recognizes that violence of this nature is not the fault of the victim. The UFPD would however like to remind everyone of these safety considerations:

Report suspicious activities or individuals immediately using 9.1.1

Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. This is particularly true if you are wearing headphones and may not be able to hear someone near or behind you.

If someone bothers you, don’t be embarrassed to attract attention to yourself. Yell!

Avoid walking alone if at all possible.

If someone stops and asks for directions, avoid getting close to the individual.