Timely Warning

The UFPD is currently investigating a sexual battery that was reported to have occurred Saturday afternoon sometime between 2:50pm and 3:10pm on the University of Florida campus and reported to UFPD on Sunday evening.

The victim reported that she had been with friends tailgating on the University of Florida campus on Saturday, October 5th. According to the victim, she and her friends left the tailgate area and began walking towards Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to attend the University of Florida football game around 2:50pm. While they were walking, the victim became separated from her friends and later was met by the suspect. The victim indicated that after the two spoke, the suspect then led her to a location off of Stadium Road between the Infirmary and the Florida Gym where the incident took place.

The suspect is described as white male, approximately 5`8", straight dark blonde hair, between 18-25 years of age, and was wearing khaki shorts. The UFPD will be increasing patrols and are working active leads toward identifying and apprehending the suspect.

In the interest of public safety, the UFPD is notifying the community of this incident. Additionally, if anyone has information about the incident, was in the area at the time, or who may know the man’s identity is asked to call the University of Florida Police Department at 352.392-1111 or use the UFPD Silent Witness link at: https://police.ufl.edu/contact/silent-witness/ . Those who wish to remain anonymous can also call Crime Stoppers at 352.372.STOP (7867).

The University of Florida firmly believes that a crime victim is never responsible for another person’s abuse or criminal conduct. These general safety tips are provided in an effort to assist members of the UF community.

Please report criminal incident and suspicious activities/individuals immediately to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1.

Alcohol and drugs are often used to create vulnerability to sexual assault and those who become intoxicated cannot provide consent. Be alert to people pressuring you or others to use alcohol or other drugs.

Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, do what you can to get out of that situation or call for assistance.

Safely intervene and/or call for help if you witness disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, or a violent crime. Plan in advance: discuss how you might do this in conversations with your friends, using different scenarios, when you aren’t facing a potential crisis.

If someone is behaving disrespectfully or making you feel uncomfortable, take steps to remove yourself from the situation early, especially if you are concerned it may become physical.

Avoid walking alone if at all possible.

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! Your voice and body are your best weapons. Learn effective ways to use them by taking a self-defense class such as the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) and always consider bringing a friend with you.

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

If a driver stops to ask directions, avoid getting close to the individual or vehicle.

If a vehicle appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction. You should go to a location where other people are and get assistance.