Second sexual assault in the last month reported near West Campus

UPDATE [7/13/2026, 11:24 a.m.] This article has been updated to include a statement from UCSB with new information.

TW: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.

An individual was sexually assaulted at West Campus near the intersection of Slough Road and Seaway Drive on July 12.

According to a timely warning sent the day of the incident, UC Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD) received a report of a fondling that occurred around 6:40 a.m. The victim was jogging along Slough Road when the suspect rode up behind them on his bike, struck the victim on their buttocks and then fled on his bike. The suspect was last seen riding northbound on Slough Road.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between 35 and 40 years old, with a darker complexion, wearing all black clothing, a black hat and carrying a black backpack. The suspect is not known to the victim, and his association with the University is also unknown.

This incident comes around two weeks after another individual was struck on the buttocks by a perpetrator riding a bike near West Campus. It is unknown at this time if the crimes are related.

In a statement to the Daily Nexus, University Spokesperson Kiki Reyes shared that UCPD has increased patrols around the area where the incident took place.

The UCPD is currently investigating the incident. Those with information can contact authorities at (805) 893-3446 or report information anonymously via an online form.