Crime & Safety
3 UCLA Students Attacked By Would-Be Kidnapper
A man, claiming to be armed, robbed and attempted to drag away three women near campus parking structures, but each was able to escape.
LOS ANGELES, CA — Three women were robbed by a man who also attempted to kidnap them near ULCA campus parking structures Sunday, prompting authorities to warn students to be on alert.
The women were students attacked by the same man about two hours apart Sunday evening, according to the UCLA Police Department. In each case, the women were able to pull free from their attacker's grasp.
The first attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. Sunday near Parking Structure 1. The man approached a woman, demanded money and attempted to kidnap her, according to police. He held her hands together and refused to let go as she struggled to get free, the woman told police. She gave him her money, and he attempted to take her to another location, according to police. The attacker claimed to have a gun, but the woman told police she didn't see a weapon. She slipped from his grasp and got away.
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According to police, the same man approached two women near Parking Structure 7 at about 6:45 p.m. In two separate instances, the man robbed and attempted to kidnap two more women who each escaped him, according to police. The second victim escaped with scratches on her hands, police reported.
According to police, the suspect was described as between 25 and 40 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, dark hair, brown eyes, and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt with white lettering and light blue jeans. According to police, he had a red/orange blanket during the second incident.
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The UCLA Police Department is reminding students and staff to:
• Dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• For non-emergencies, program the UCLA PD 24-hour phone number into your cell phone – 310-825-1491.
• 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
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