UCPD arrested a man early Friday morning after he allegedly assaulted multiple people on UCLA’s campus.
The man allegedly stole a student’s cellphone on Bruin Walk and fled to the Hill where he attempted to sexually assault multiple students between 11:35 p.m. Thursday and 12:05 a.m. Friday, according to a UCPD press release later that day. Officers received reports of assaults from at least three residence halls, UCPD said in a Friday press release, adding that the victims received help from bystanders or fought back themselves in each instance.
UCPD detained the man, who is not affiliated with UCLA, near Parking Structure 8 after midnight Friday, according to the press release. Officers investigating the incident also found zip-ties, duct tape and parachute cord they believe to be involved in the assaults, UCPD said in the press release.
The man is currently in holding at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Reception Center where he was booked for charges including attempted kidnapping and sexual battery. He is set to appear in court June 1, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Inmate Information Center.
No injuries were reported among the victims, suspect or responding officers, a UCPD spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The spokesperson added that the stolen cellphone was recovered.
UCPD added in the press release that while they believe the threat to the community has been removed, they will increase patrols around UCLA’s residence halls.
“I am also grateful to the victims and witnesses who reported what occurred and assisted responding officers,” said UCPD Chief Craig Valenzuela in the press release. “Incidents like these are deeply concerning, and the safety and security of our campus community remains our highest priority.”
