Police are looking for a man after a woman reported an attempted sexual assault near campus early Sunday morning, University Police said in a UF timely warning emailed out Sunday night.
At about 1 a.m., the 18-year-old woman became separated from her friends near downtown and then walked alone down Southwest Eighth Street near University Avenue, according to the warning.
The man then approached the woman and pulled her into a dark area away from the sidewalk, according to the warning.
The woman was able to strike the man in the face and neck, knocking him backward and freeing herself before running away. The man was never caught. The crime was first reported by Gainesville Police, but UPD sent out the timely warning because of the crime’s proximity to campus.
The man was described having a muscular build and being about 6 feet tall with short dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing an orange fishing shirt and jeans.
In the warning, police reminded students to be aware of their surroundings, especially when wearing headphones, which could block out the sound of someone’s approach.
“The UFPD firmly believes that the crime is never the fault of the victim,” the warning read.
Anyone with information about the report or who knows where the suspect may be is encouraged to call the Gainesville Police Department at 352-955-1818 or text keyword GPDFL plus the tip to 274637. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.
