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 is currently investigating an attempted sexual battery incident involving an 18 year old female that occurred Sunday, October 30, 2016 at approximately 1:00am on SW 8th Street near University Avenue. It was indicated that the victim had been in the downtown area of Gainesville and was separated from her friends. As she was walking home along SW 8th Street, a W/M pulled her to a dark area off the sidewalk. The victim was able to strike the suspect in his face/neck area, causing him to fall backwards. The victim was able to free herself and fled the area on foot. The suspect is described as a W/M, in his early twenties, 5’11" to 6"00" with short dark brown hair, brown eyes, tan complexion, muscular build wearing an orange Columbia style fishing shirt and blue jeans.

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.

For questions regarding information contained in this release, please contact Major Brad Barber at (352) 273-3309. If after hours, please call (352) 392-1111 (# UFPD (#8373) and ask to speak to a Patrol Supervisor. I can also be reached via e-mail at: wbarber@ufl.edu or see the UFPD webpage at http://www.police.ufl.edu.