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.
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
- Calling 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.