UCLA student sexually assaulted in dorm room, suspect at large

Vivian Chow
·3 min read
3

A suspect remains at large after a student was sexually assaulted while she was sleeping in her dorm room at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The incident happened early Friday at around 2:40 a.m. as the female student was sleeping in her room located in the Saxon Suites, according to the UCLA Police Department.

The suspect entered the student’s room and sexually assaulted her while she was in bed, officials said. He then ran out of the building and fled the area in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 30s. He has a heavy set build, a curly beard and was last seen wearing all-black clothing and a beanie.

  • The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
    The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
  • The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
    The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
  • The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
    The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
  • The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
    The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
  • The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
    The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
  • The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
    The Saxon Residential Suite dorm rooms on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles. (KTLA)
  • A UCLA Police Department patrol car seen on the University of California, Los Angeles campus. (KTLA)
    A UCLA Police Department patrol car seen on the University of California, Los Angeles campus. (KTLA)
  • UCLA Police Department patrol cars are seen on the University of California, Los Angeles campus. (KTLA)
    UCLA Police Department patrol cars are seen on the University of California, Los Angeles campus. (KTLA)
  • Students participating in an activity near Royce Hall on the UCLA campus on March 11, 2020. (Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images)
    Students participating in an activity near Royce Hall on the UCLA campus on March 11, 2020. (Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images)
  • Students walk through the UCLA campus in Westwood. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)
    Students walk through the UCLA campus in Westwood. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)
  • An undated file photo shows the UCLA campus. The UCLA Foundation has announced a $5-million gift for scholarships, COVID-19 emergency support, mental health services and other student needs. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
    An undated file photo shows the UCLA campus. The UCLA Foundation has announced a $5-million gift for scholarships, COVID-19 emergency support, mental health services and other student needs. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

It’s unclear how the man was able to enter the dorm room or the building. The victim was medically treated at the scene.

Students were alerted of the assault Friday morning and many said they now feel uneasy.

“They sent the police report saying a girl was assaulted while sleeping which is very frightening, especially for me as a young woman,” said Chantal de la Cruz, a UCLA student. “I’ve been living here for a year and the [crime] reports we usually get are burglary reports and they’re outside of the campus, so this is a huge shock for everybody. A lot of students don’t feel safe.”

Tips from UCLA police to stay safe on campus include:

  • Always be alert and aware of your surroundings

  • Report any suspicious activity to the police

  • Do not leave doors to buildings propped open

  • Secure your residence by locking all windows and doors

  • Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas when walking at night

  • Utilize the UCLA Safe Ride Service and UCPD CSO evening escorts

  • Callin 911 for emergencies or UCLA PD’s 24-hour line at 310-825-1491

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call UCLAPD at 310-825-1491. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling 310-794-5824.

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