RANDY METCALF

Police tape surrounds a university-area house where nearby residents say a UA student was raped yesterday. Police are also investigating possible connections between the assault at the house, located on the 800 block of East Adams Street, and an early-morning attempted robbery across the street.

Thursday October 4, 2001

TPD says the investigation continues

Campus-area residents said a man broke into the home of a UA student yesterday afternoon and raped her.

Police - who would not confirm or deny any speculations about the alleged rape - said a break-in, which occurred yesterday morning across the street from the incident, is being investigated for a possible relation.

Neighbors said a male raped and slit the throat of a 20-year-old female after breaking into her home on the 800 block of East Adams Street. There were no fatalities in either incident.

Neighbors said she was able to break free from the suspect and run to a house directly across the street for help. The victim was taken to a Tucson area hospital.

The Tucson Police Department was still investigating the crime and said details were still preliminary

Police said the location of the incident and a house on the same block of East Adams Street were under investigation for breaking and entering.

"We don't know if the two break-ins are related," said Brett Klein, TPD commander for sex crimes. "It's too early in the investigation to tell."

A press release stated the first report was received at 8:55 yesterday morning after a 19-year-old female said a male entered her house and demanded money.

Police would not say how the suspect broke into either home.

Detectives described the suspect as a male 20 to 30 years of age, thin to medium build, with blond-red hair and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information on a person who fits the suspect's description is asked to call 911.

University of Arizona students who live in the area said they were shocked by the two incidents.

"I understand some of the incidents that go on in the city, but I thought this neighborhood was safe," said Greg I. Stoltz, a graduate student of anthropology.

Another UA student who lives in the area said the alleged rape victim and her roommates visited him in his apartment regularly.

"Its mostly all students here - there's always people coming and going," said Suman Dhakal, a non-degree seeking graduate student.

Dhakal said he normally felt safe living in the area and regularly left his door open when it was too hot.

Klein said that although the neighborhood may seem safe, doors and windows must be kept locked at all times.

"A lot of students live in groups and think their roommate already locked up their home," said Klein.