Police seeking suspect in UA assault case

Arizona Summer Wildcat Police sketch of suspect

The woman parked her car about 7:40 a.m. and walked south on North Mountain Avenue near the southwest corner of the garage. As she headed east toward the Administration building, a man approached her from behind and placed a knife with a 31/2 -inch blade to her throat, while making threatening remarks, said university police Sgt. Sal Celi.

She was able to break free when a witness turned around and saw the suspect holding the woman, which possibly scared off the man, Celi said. The woman escaped without injury.

The suspect then fled north on foot through the first floor of the parking garage, he said. Police are unsure of the assailant's motive but suspect it was not robbery since the man had a opportunity to take the woman's purse but did not, Celi said.

The victim did not recognize the man and had no idea what may have provoked the attack, Celi said.

The suspect is described as a 5'5" slender white man in his early 20s. He has short brown hair, is clean shaven, and has a generally clean appearance. Police said he may be a student.

University police urge any one with possible information regarding the assault to contact the department at 621-8273.