Man Suspected of Attempted Abductions Near University of Arizona Campus
Authorities are continuing to search for a man suspected of trying to abduct three different women near the University of Arizona campus in Tucson over the last week. Police have identified at least two of the victims as students at the university, both of whom were assaulted in the incidents. The third woman is also a student at the university.
The abduction attempts occurred on three different days and in three different off-campus locations, according to a news release by the Tucson Police Department. The most recent incident took place on Sunday before 6 p.m., when officers from the University of Arizona Police Department received a call.
Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incidents to come forward and assist with the investigation.
On December 8th, a student from the University of Arizona reported an attempted abduction near campus. The student was followed by a man in his car while she was walking just two blocks away from the university. The suspect stopped his car, got out, and grabbed the victim from behind. However, when the student dropped to the ground and screamed, the suspect quickly returned to his vehicle and drove away. The incident has prompted an investigation by Tucson police, with assistance from university police. Detectives are currently awaiting forensic evidence and have interviewed the latest victim while conducting a thorough search of the area.
During a news conference held on Wednesday, Chris Dennison, the assistant police chief in Tucson, made a plea to the surrounding community for assistance in the investigation. Dennison urged residents and business owners to participate in the police department's open camera registry. The registry allows individuals to voluntarily register their surveillance cameras with the police department. Although authorities will not have direct access to the camera systems, they will be aware of their existence when investigating crimes in or around the neighborhood.
According to KOLD, the suspect is being sought by the police, as well as the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
