By Maria S. Ramirez
Arizona Summer Wildcat
A 19-year-old UA student was reportedly kidnapped near a campus computer lab and released unharmed a few minutes later.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 20 at about 9:25 p.m. The victim told police she was leaving the computer lab at Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall when she was confronted by a man who has been following her since spring semester. He forced her into a "beat up" brown Chevrolet Nova, driven by another man, on the 900 block of East Fourth Street.
The victim was then driven down to Second Street and Park Avenue and forced out of the car.
The victim told police she had spotted the suspect earlier that same day, once at about 2 p.m. in another building where she worked and then again standing in the parking lot where her car was parked. The suspect approached her and made a personal remark to the victim. She responded, but quickly left the area.
The victim told police she had seen the suspect several times over the spring semester loitering around her workplace and near her northside residence. She does not know the suspect's name nor has had any other contact with the suspect other than the few times she spotted him on campus.
UAPD authorities said they do not know if the suspect is a student or employee of the university. Although police see this as an isolated incident, the possibility of the same man abducting has not been ruled out.
Police remind the community to follow a few common-sense safety tips while walking around at night or alone on campus.
Some tips to remember:
ùLock the doors to your apartment or residence hall when you are alone, asleep or out of the room.
ùDo not open your door to anyone. Use the peephole to identify visitors before allowing them in.
ùDo not give your name, phone number or address to strangers.
ùWhen traveling on foot to your car or residence after work, do not go alone. UAPD offers an escort service for anyone. Call 621-SAFE.
ùWhen going out, let someone know where you are going, with whom and when you expect to return.
ùAt night, avoid taking short cuts through dark or deserted areas.
A composite drawing has been made and issued to other law enforcement agencies in Tucson. The suspect is described as a "Middle Eastern looking" male, 20 to 21 years of age, with dark hair and black eyes.
The suspect is about 5 feet 6 inches tall and 150 pounds with a slight build.
As of Monday, there have been no new leads on this case. If anyone has any information, call 621-UAPD (8273).