The University of California, Irvine community remains on high alert following a report of a rape that allegedly occurred on campus earlier this month. According to a CBS News report, UCI Police are searching for a white male suspect believed to be involved in a rape at the Camino del Sol student housing around 11:00 p.m. on May 16th.
The suspect, described as a male between the ages of 35-40, with dark hair and a medium build, has eluded police since the attack, which was reported the following day. Driving a dark colored Acura, the alleged rapist forcibly pushed and raped the victim according to a crime alert released by University Police Chief Liz Griffin, in a statement obtained by KTLA.
To aid the ongoing investigation and improve campus safety, UC Irvine police have released several tips for students and staff. These include ensuring someone is always aware of your whereabouts, trusting your instincts when feeling uneasy, and seeing someone at risk, consider it an emergency, and being willing to act in support. For more urgent situations, the police can be contacted at 911, or for non-emergencies at (949) 824-5223, as outlined in the FOX LA news piece.
Resources are available for those affected by sexual violence, including the UCI Green Dot Bystander Intervention Program and the Waymakers 24-hour crisis services. In the evenings, the UCIPD Safety Escort program offers a safe alternative to walking alone. The community is encouraged to immediately report suspicious activity, and it is emphasized by UCIPD that race, gender, and religious affiliations are not indicators of suspicious behavior. Those with information about the case are urged to contact the UCI Police Department at (949) 824-5223.
