Police are ramping up security around the University of Arizona campus following three separate abduction attempts that have been reported over the past few days.
Police chiefs from both departments held a brief news conference Wednesday afternoon to help reassure residents that they are diligently working the case.
The agencies will pursue forensic leads as they are joined by a continuous litany of local law enforcement looking to help out.
Despite this, Christopher Olson, the UA's police chief, expressed the importance public participation when situations like this one arise.
As of Wednesday, the only thing the three women had in common was their connection to the school, police said.
Each woman gave investigators similar details with regards to their attacker. The incidents happened streets apart.
Law enforcement officers urge students to always beware of their surroundings, police said, adding that is especially true given the recent disturbing reports around the campus.
Take one ear bud out so you can hear things happening around you, and share your phone’s location with someone you trust. Olson said “spatial awareness” is key to avoid becoming a victim of a potential attack.
Students who would rather catch a ride have plenty of options including Uber, LYFT, or a taxi service.
Olson said the U of A police department can also provide escorts.
As these precautions are heeded, it is Olson’s hope that the number of these incidents will go down. Until then, students can expect to see the campus and surround areas “saturated with police.”
Anyone who see’s anything suspicious, or might have cameras capturing the area of the alleged attacks should call 911 immediately.
“This may bring up old worries for parents and guardians at home. Who is going to protect (their) child,” said Jess Glass Walsh, a UA survivor advocate.
Now that the hunt is on for the alleged attacker, it’s important that students know that there are many resources on campus to help curb fears and trepidation about a place that once felt safe.
“If you or someone else had a wrong interaction, we’re here to support you,” Glass Walsh said.
That support will continue on through any hearings or trials that should arise.
According to Glass Walsh, more than 900 students have sought help through the program in the past four to five years, and that services offered will continue to grow.
As for the three alleged victims who came forward to tell their stories, they were profusely thanked by law enforcement officials for their courage on Wednesday
“I realize how scary that is and I commend their bravery,” Olson said. "We recognize that safety is our number one policy, our first priority.”
Residents with security cameras or doorbell cameras can help police on their mission to keep the streets safe. By registering their camera, police will be able to know who to call for footage should a crime occur in a certain area. Registering a camera does not give police the right to search for a resident’s recorded footage, nor are residents required to turn over their video. Having this system in place helps police to expedite their process.
Sketch artists are now working with witnesses and victims to produce a sketch of the attacker.
The first attempted abduction happened near North Campbell Avenue and East Third Street. The second attempt happened at North Mountain Avenue and East Eighth Street.
On Monday, a woman told police she was groped by a man about 6 p.m. near East Seventh Street and North Vine Avenue, police said.
In that case, police say the man got out of his car, groped the woman and quickly left when she screamed. Police ask anyone who knows about the incident or has surveillance video call to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tips line.
The description of the man was similar to two previous incidents reported last week, police said.
The man in the attacks has been described as having a dark complexion. He is 5-feet 10-inches to 6-feet tall, has a medium to heavy build and has a buzz cut.
He has been linked to a dark purplish four-door hatchback or crossover vehicle with a dented front bumper, tinted windows, and no front license plate.
