An unknown male attempted to sexually assault an individual near the lagoon on Sunday night. The survivor reported the incident to the UC Santa Barbara Police Department on the following day, Oct. 20, and it is currently being investigated.
The suspect is not known to the survivor, and it is unknown whether or not the suspect is affiliated with campus. Nexus File Photo
UCSB media spokesperson Kiki Reyes told the Nexus that the UC Police Department (UCPD) is conducting “increased high visibility patrols of the general area.”
According to a timely warning sent to UCSB students and faculty, an unknown adult male forced the survivor onto the ground near the Campus Lagoon and attempted to sexually assault her at approximately 9 p.m. The survivor was able to escape and run away.
The suspect is not known to the survivor, and it is unknown whether or not the suspect is affiliated with the campus.
UCSB has seen an increase in reported crimes on campus in the past three years, with a significant increase in rape and dating violence reports and a steady increase in fondling. In light of these recurring incidents, the Nexus compiled a resource guide for sexual violence survivors, including local and university resources.
UCPD is actively investigating this crime and urges anyone who may have information that might assist the investigation to contact UCPD at (805) 893-3446, or report the information anonymously on their website.
The Nexus will continue to report on this topic as more information becomes available.
A version of this article appeared on p. 5 of the Oct. 23 print edition of the Daily Nexus.
