Monday November 9, 2020
- University police remain in contact with officials at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division who are investigating this case. More information will be shared once it is available.
Monday Oct 26, 2020
- Because this incident occurred on Fort Douglas Military Reserve property, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division is handling the case. University Police will stay in contact with the Army and will provide an update to the campus community once more information is available.
- University crisis support specialists continue to work with the victim to make support resources available.
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
Investigators have determined that the incident occurred on the Fort Douglas Military Reserve. University police department investigators are coordinating with military law enforcement personnel. We anticipate the next update by Monday, October 26 at 3pm unless there are significant developments in the case.
Sunday Oct 18, 2020
- A university Crisis Support Specialist is working with the victim to make support resources available, and a Detective specializing in interpersonal violence will be working with the victim to obtain more details on the case.
- The victim and the person of interest in this case met on a dating website and the victim is unaffiliated with the University of Utah.
- Updates will continue to be provided at alert.utah.edu as they become available.
Saturday Oct 17, 2020
The following is a safety message for our campus community.
On Saturday, 10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm, the University of Utah Police Department was notified of a sexual assault that occurred between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm in the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr. The assault took place in a vehicle described as a dark color, late model car. There was a weapon present in the vehicle but it was not used in the commission of the act.
Description of the person of interest:
- The person of interest is described as a male, slim build, with a shaved head in a military uniform.
- The University Police Department is actively investigating. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact University Police at 801-585-2677.
Prevention and Safety Tips: This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember to:
- If you or someone you know is a victim of interpersonal violence, call the LINK line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- Consent is required for all sexual interactions. Consent cannot be granted if a person is under the influence of alcohol, coerced, or under duress or force. If you are unsure if a person wants to engage in sexual behavior, DO NOT DO IT.
- Coercion includes “wearing a person down” until they say yes. This is not consent.
- The vast majority of sexual assault occurs between two people who know each other. Usually victims of sexual assault know, and sometimes trust, the person who hurt them.
- If you notice one of your friends ignoring another person’s boundaries, remove your friend from the situation and tell them their behavior is not ok.
- Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus.
- Let a family member or friend know when you’re going somewhere and your estimated time of arrival or return. This allows them to notify police as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
- Stay Aware — If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911.
- Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around.
- Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when walking alone. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can — there is safety in numbers.
- If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible.
Support and Resources
- Additional support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app, and through the U’s Basic Needs Center.
- Counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus:
- American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019
- Black Cultural Center: 801-213-1441
- Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776
- Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
- LGBT Resource Center: 801-587-7973
- Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365
- Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066
- University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826
- University Neuropsychiatric Institute crisis line: (available 24/7): 801-587-3000
- Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030