Women walking near Olive Drive by the UC Davis campus are on edge as Davis police search for a man they believe is behind at least six indecent exposure reports in a single week. The encounters, clustered near the busy corridor along the south side of campus, have prompted extra police patrols and a lot more wariness from students and longtime residents. Investigators say the suspect has been following female pedestrians and then either exposing himself or soliciting sexual acts in separate incidents, according to CBS News.
When And Where Police Are Zeroing In
Investigators say the incidents were reported on Jan. 2 and Jan. 6 along Olive Drive between about 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to CBS News Sacramento. Police told the outlet they believe the man has followed female victims while masturbating or asking for sexual acts.
Officers are urging anyone with information or video from the area to contact the Davis Police Department at 530-747-5400 or by email at [email protected]. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
What The Suspect Looks Like And Possible Pattern
According to local coverage, the suspect often approaches women on sidewalks or in parking lots and has been seen wearing a hooded jacket and, at times, a face covering. Detectives told KCRA that this week’s descriptions and locations line up with a run of voyeurism and indecent exposure complaints from summer and fall 2023 that triggered extra patrols in north Davis.
Officers say the behavior is disturbing and have warned residents to stay alert, especially in areas that are more isolated or poorly lit.
How The UC Davis Community Is Coping
Olive Drive is a go-to route for UC Davis students heading between campus, housing and downtown, and several told reporters the corridor already felt dark and uncomfortable at night even before these latest reports. One student said she now uses her phone’s flashlight and tries not to walk alone after hearing about the incidents, as CBS News Sacramento reported.
The UC Davis Police Department’s crime alert page lists multiple indecent exposure alerts from recent years near campus, which has only added to concerns about nighttime safety in the surrounding neighborhoods. The university posts those notices on its online crime alert dashboard so students and staff can track reported incidents.
Police Crack Down And What Neighbors Should Watch For
Detectives say they are treating the pattern very seriously and have stepped up patrols in the neighborhoods where the incidents have been reported. Officers described “saturation” patrols to KCRA and stressed that quick tips give them the best shot at finding a suspect who may still be in the area.
Police are advising residents to walk with others when possible, keep doors locked and share any relevant dash-cam, surveillance or phone video with investigators.
Anyone who sees suspicious behavior is asked to call 911 in an emergency or the Davis Police Department’s non-emergency line at 530-747-5400. Officers also want to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar incident but has not yet reported it so detectives can connect the cases and work toward identifying the person responsible.
