Timely Warning

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

The GPD are currently investigating a sexual battery incident involving a 19 year old female that occurred Sunday, September 11, 2016 at approximately 12:49am in an unknown off campus location. It was indicated that the victim met the suspect at midtown area bar and went with the suspect later that evening. The suspect then drove the victim to an unknown location and sexually battered her in his vehicle. After the victim began to yell, the suspect then sped away. A UFPD officer in a marked unit observed the vehicle speeding in the area and stopped the vehicle. As he approached the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot and the victim indicated she was the victim of a sexual battery. The GPD was notified of the incident and an immediate search for the suspect was conducted using numerous law enforcement resources. The suspect has not however been located.

The suspect has been identified as Christopher Noel Gonzalez Cruz, a Hispanic male, 24 years old and approximately 5′ 9" in height. Gonzalez Cruz was last seen wearing a light colored shirt and dark pants. The GPD will be increasing patrols and are working active leads toward apprehending the suspect.

Anyone with information about the incident or know the whereabouts of the suspect 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 firmly believes that crime is never the fault of the victim. These general safety tips are provided in an effort to assist members of the UF community.

If you become a victim of crime, please contact law enforcement immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Immediately report any suspicious person or activity to law enforcement.

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!

Do not allow anyone to follow you in your residence as you enter.

Stay in well-lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes, or entryways.

Always try to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

If possible, walk with others to your destination.

If you believe you are being followed, try to find the nearest populated location to get assistance and call 9-1-1.