Tuscaloosa Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting UA Student

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa man has been charged with sexual abuse and robbery after investigators say he attacked a female University of Alabama student on Wednesday.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, told local media on Thursday that at 7:30 p.m. that the student was walking along University Boulevard when a man came up from behind her, knocked her to the ground, touched her criminally, and forcefully ripped away portions of her inner shorts.

"He then fled, taking the clothing with him," Kennedy said. "UAPD police responded and took the immediate report. The assault was captured on video and is violent."

Kennedy then said 24-year-old John Threadgill of Tuscaloosa — who has a history of similar criminal offenses — was identified as the suspect.

Indeed, Threadgill was arrested in July 2022 for several counts of first degree sexual abuse and was out on bond for those offenses when the UA student was attacked on Wednesday.

Additionally, Kennedy said investigators obtained new warrants on Threadgill for first degree sexual abuse and third degree robbery.

"The District Attorney’s Office filed motions and Threadgill’s release on bond for his previous cases were also revoked," Kennedy said.

Kennedy went on to say that investigators determined Threadgill had left Tuscaloosa and was currently in the area of the Auburn University campus.

Threadgill was located and arrested by officers with the Auburn Police Department at approximately 12 p.m. Thursday.

Kennedy said Threadgill faces several charges in Auburn that he received during his arrest there and he will be brought to Tuscaloosa and denied bond once those charges are resolved.

Due to the nature of these assaults, Kennedy said, investigators encourage anyone who may have been a victim or knows of any possible abuse by Threadgill to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com