UT-Austin Police Search For Man Accosting Women Near Campus

AUSTIN, TX — University of Texas at Austin on Friday evening received multiple reports of a man accosting woman while trying to grab them near campus.

The first reports to police were received at around 5:15 p.m., campus police said in a press advisory. The incidents occurred near the intersection of Dean Keeton and San Jacinto streets, according to police.

One victim, a UT-Austin student, reported unwanted physical contact, law enforcement officials noted.

The suspect is described as a younger-looking black male standing at about five feet, ten inches, in height with no facial hair and dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Officers believe the description of the man matches that of a suspect from similar incident that occurred on Thursday in which a female student reported unwanted physical contact in the same area, according to the advisory.

Officers were searching for the suspect in the area well into Friday evening, police said. Those with information that might prove useful to the investigation are urged to call (512) 471-4441 and select extension 9. Police also urged students and others to always call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.

In their advisory, police took the opportunity to offer safety tips to the UT-Austin community in avoidance of becoming victimized:

• Student Emergency Services supports students who have been or know someone who has been a victim of a crime on or off campus. For those services click on the link below: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/emergency/victimservices.php.
• The Victims Advocate Network supports UT employees who have been the victim of a crime. For more information click on the following link: https://police.utexas.edu/services/victims-advocate-network.
• You can also order a UT Night Ride via Lyft for a ride from main campus to your home. For more information on hours of operation and boundaries visit https://parking.utexas.edu/night.